Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group – September 2022
Enabling works continuing
While the final plans are still awaited for the main Green Tunnel and Small Dean Viaduct construction works there has been continued progress on enabling works in August. The main community impact has been closure of Public Rights of Way for walkers, with the path over Folly Bridge to Wellwick Farm being closed for the installation of a water main (photo top right) to supply the Concrete Batching Plant. The section between Dobbins Lane and the bridge is due to reopen shortly, but the ongoing path over the construction site is expected to remain closed until late 2024.
However walkers on the “Aylesbury Ring” can now head up Ellesborough Road from the Station and take the newly built Right of Way which goes to Wellwick on the west side of the construction site. HS2 have also taken note of community feedback and have built a new bridleway enabling walkers, cyclists and riders to get from Wendover to Dunsmore without having to face the traffic on the A413. The new path goes round the north and west sides of the Small Dean Lane construction compound, and is now visible from Bacombe Hill (photo 2nd right). Also in the photo you can see the northern end of the conveyor system which is being built to move spoil over the A413 at Small Dean to build the embankments next to the Wendover Bypass and at Stoke Mandeville. While that will avoid dump trucks crossing the A413 we can expect some disruption in the autumn when underground utility services are moved to enable diversion of the road so that the Viaduct can be built.
Two new temporary roads are being built from the roundabout at the northern end of the bypass to divert Nash Lee Road and Nash Lee Lane around the excavation for the North Cutting (photos 3rd & 4th right). These are now expected to open later this year.
Construction plans awaited
We have been in protracted discussion with HS2 and EKFB about the community impact of the North Cutting regarding the expected noise experienced in North Wendover from the trains. Also the diversion of water from the Coombe Hill Aquifer from the Wendover Arm Canal and Weston Turville Reservoir nature reserve towards Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury; increasing the flood risk there.
It’s taken a while but we’re starting to see some recognition of the issues in the latest designs. We still don’t think they are good enough, and are working with the Environment Agency and Bucks Council who seem to agree with us and have the signoff authority. While earthmoving is happening south of Rocky Lane now (photo bottom right), the final plans for the Small Dean and Green Tunnel sections have not yet (at time of writing) been submitted to the Council so we now expect the serious local civil engineering will slip into next year.
If you’re interested in the history of the 13 year saga of Wendover and HS2 we’ve created a new section on our website whs2.org/history.htm that provides the key decision dates, with links to the reports and videos documenting what went on.
Getting things fixed
As ever, the first port of call for issues you need to report is the HS2 Helpdesk which is available 24 hours a day on 08081 434 434. If you contact them it’s worth getting a case reference number to ensure that your issue is logged, which also assists us if you need our help in getting things resolved.
Want to get involved?
If you would like to help us “Do what’s right for Wendover”, have a look at our website whs2.org where you’ll find details of what we’re doing. If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas or suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org.
Doing what’s right for Wendover
See whs2.org