On 23 February, Phase 1 of High Speed 2 (HS2) received Royal Assent, giving the scheme the go ahead between London and Birmingham. Construction will commence in the spring, with the scheme expected to increase capacity on the rail network, connect cities and generate jobs and economic growth.
Nicholas Pearson Associates supported Atkins as EIA coordinators for the Supplementary Environmental Statement 3 and Additional Provision 4 Environmental Statement for Community Forum Area 19 – Coleshill Junction in summer 2015. We also contributed to work within other areas in the northern section of the route.
Working in collaboration with the project team, we assessed the effects of a number of changes to design or construction assumptions, including temporary junction improvements during construction, revised earthworks, amendments to rail infrastructure and utility diversions. Where required, appropriate mitigation was incorporated into the scheme design.
The ES was produced in accordance with detailed HS2 guidance and to a tight schedule in order to meet the deadline for submission.