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HS2 operative at Amersham Vent Shaft.
HS2 operative at Amersham Vent Shaft.

Managing impacts of construction

Our key aims are to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses, reduce the impact on the road and transport network and to minimise our impact on the environment, keeping communities affected by the project informed at every stage.

We recognise that as we develop, design and build the new railway, our activities will impact on the communities in which we will operate.  Our aim is to continue to build respectful, long-term relationships with communities and actively encourage our workforce to listen to local concerns and be considerate and accountable for their actions at all times.

We keep communities informed on the issues that affect them through clear, timely and tailored communications through a range of different channels. You can use our in your area interactive map to find information about current or planned HS2 construction works taking place across the route.

Our information is available in lots of accessible formats to suit you. To ask for this, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team. They are based at our head office in Birmingham and are available all day, every day of the year to listen and help with any questions you may have.

Code of Construction Practice

The Code of Construction Practice forms part of the Secretary of State’s Environmental Minimum Requirements for the construction of the railway from London to the West Midlands. It sets out the standards and responsibilities to protect communities and the environment during construction.

Construction Practice for Phase One

The Code includes the requirement for local, site-specific measures to limit disturbance from construction activities, as far as reasonably practical.

View a copy here.

Clarification on Construction Compounds

In September 2021, a note was published that clarifies the references to ‘construction compounds’ in paragraph 3.3.3 of the Code of Construction Practice (CoCP).

View a copy here.

Draft Code of Construction Practice for Phase 2a

Future construction of the railway from the West Midlands to Crewe, Manchester, the East Midlands, South Yorkshire, Leeds and beyond, subject to approvals, will also follow the Code.

View a copy here.

Key areas of focus for minimising construction impacts

Air quality

Air quality

We're minimising emissions while designing and constructing HS2.

Construction noise and vibration

Construction noise and vibration

We're designing and building HS2 in ways that reduce noise and vibration from our construction works.

Ground settlement

Ground settlement

We're controlling the way that excavation work is carried out so that ground movement is reduced or avoided.

Operational noise and vibration

Operational noise and vibration

We're designing HS2 in ways that will reduce noise and vibration when the railway is operational.

Traffic management

Traffic management

We’re carefully planning the way that we transport machinery, materials and our workforce, to and from our construction sites.

Water supply and management

Water supply and management

We are managing and conserving water supply during construction and will leave a legacy of water resilience.

Further information

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  • Contact us

    If you contact the Helpdesk, our Community Engagement Advisors will try to answer your questions immediately.

    Contact us