Managing impacts of construction
Britain's new high-speed railway
Building the new high-speed railway is a major national project. We know construction can affect people who live and work near the route, and we are committed to reducing disruption wherever possible.
From early design through to construction and future operation, we carefully plan, monitor and manage our impact on communities and the environment.
Our commitment to communities
We are committed to minimising disruption to residents and businesses, protecting the environment, reducing impacts on roads and transport, and keeping communities informed.
We aim to build respectful, long-term relationships with the communities along the route. Our workforce is expected to listen to local concerns and act responsibly and considerately at all times.
Code of Construction Practice
All contractors working for HS2 must follow the Code of Construction Practice, which forms part of the Environmental Minimum Requirements set by the Secretary of State.
The Code sets strict standards to protect communities and the environment during construction, including requirements on working hours, noise and vibration, dust and air quality, traffic management, and site safety and cleanliness.
Contractors must also put in place site-specific measures to reduce disturbance as far as reasonably practicable. Compliance is independently monitored.
Planning ahead to reduce impacts
Before Parliament approved the railway, detailed Environmental Impact Assessments were carried out. These assessed potential effects on air quality, noise and vibration, ecology and biodiversity, water resources, landscape and visual impact, and traffic and transport.
Where possible, mitigation was built directly into the design, including green tunnels, deep cuttings, landscaped embankments and new habitat creation.
Managing construction impacts
Air quality
We aim to avoid and minimise emissions during construction and operation.
During construction we set strict emissions standards for vehicles and machinery, require Euro 6 standards for lorries, monitor dust and nitrogen oxides in real time, and control and limit dust, odour and exhaust emissions.
Where possible, materials are transported by rail instead of road to reduce lorry movements and emissions.
When operational, the railway will be powered by electricity from the national grid. HS2 trains will not emit air quality pollutants at the point of use.
Ground settlement
Tunnelling and excavation can cause small ground movements known as settlement.
In most cases, settlement does not cause damage. Where effects do occur, they are usually minor, such as small cracks in plaster.
We limit settlement by carefully controlling excavation methods, monitoring ground movement, and treating ground where necessary.
Property owners in certain areas may be eligible to enter into a formal settlement deed with HS2, which provides a legal undertaking regarding potential damage.
Noise and vibration during construction
Construction can generate noise and vibration, particularly in built-up areas.
We manage this by using quieter, lower-vibration equipment, installing acoustic hoarding and temporary noise barriers, scheduling noisy works during core hours wherever possible, monitoring noise levels in real time, and applying best practicable means to control impacts at source.
It is extremely unlikely that vibration from construction would cause structural damage. If residents have concerns, our Helpdesk is available at all times.
Reporting
We continuously monitor the levels of noise (and if appropriate vibration) at locations around our worksites along the route where people could be disturbed by noise.
View the monitoring reports here.
We also publish the full data set from our monitors following publication of the monthly report.
Guide to teh HS2 noise insulation scheme
To provide additional protection to residents in the event that it is not practical to mitigate noise below certain exposure levels, HS2 may also offer further mitigation is required.
Guide to temporary rehousing and prolonged disruption compensation
We have also launched a new scheme called the Prolonged Disruption Compensation Scheme. This scheme adds to our own noise insulation and temporary rehousing schemes and provides compensation as an alternative to being temporarily rehoused.
HS2 Ltd is committed to review the workings and assess the effectiveness of this scheme. This has now been completed, the summary document provides further information on the review undertaken.
Traffic and transport
We understand that construction traffic is a key concern for communities.
To reduce pressure on local roads, we use rail transport for materials and bulk waste where possible, build dedicated haul roads within construction sites, reuse excavated material locally to reduce lorry movements, agree lorry routes with highway authorities, and schedule deliveries outside peak hours.
In some locations, temporary road improvements are made to accommodate construction traffic. These are often built off-line to reduce disruption while works are carried out.
We have also developed a Route-wide Traffic Management Plan, which sets standards for vehicle safety, workforce travel planning and traffic monitoring.
Special cases
We recognise that some people may be more affected than others, including night workers or those with medical conditions. A dedicated panel considers individual circumstances and may offer additional mitigation where appropriate.
Water and groundwater protection
Protecting rivers, groundwater and public water supplies is a fundamental commitment.
We work closely with organisations such as the Environment Agency, local authorities and water companies to agree working methods and monitoring before construction begins.
Tunnelling through chalk aquifers is carefully designed to protect groundwater. Detailed monitoring is carried out before, during and after construction. Wastewater is treated and reused where possible. Protective measures are in place when constructing foundations near lakes and rivers.
A dedicated water treatment plant has been built to recycle water used in tunnelling and to ensure discharge meets strict quality standards.
Designing for long-term noise reduction
Noise and vibration from railway operation is an important consideration for communities near the route.
We have committed to taking all reasonable steps to reduce operational noise as far as practicable.
This includes designing low-noise track systems, optimising tunnel and ventilation shaft design, installing sound insulation where required, and monitoring noise during operation and taking corrective action if needed.
Noise performance will be monitored throughout the life of the railway, and results shared with local authorities.
Protecting and enhancing the environment
HS2 is designed to deliver a net gain in biodiversity.
Measures include creating new woodlands and wildlife habitats, relocating protected species under ecological supervision, installing sustainable drainage systems, and reusing excavated materials in landscaping.
Major structures, such as the Colne Valley Viaduct, have been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape.
Independent oversight
HS2 is subject to scrutiny from the Department for Transport, environmental regulators, local planning and highway authorities, and independent commissioners.
Contractors must report regularly on their environmental and community performance.
Building responsibly
Construction of a project of this scale inevitably causes temporary disruption. Our responsibility is to plan carefully, reduce impacts wherever possible and be open and accountable in how we work.
By combining clear standards, detailed monitoring and ongoing engagement, HS2 aims to deliver long-term national benefits while managing local impacts responsibly.
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