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Construction noise and vibration

HS2 is very aware of the issues that building a new railway can cause people who live nearby. We have made commitments to take all reasonable steps to minimise the adverse effects of noise and vibration. This page provides information on how we are building the railway so that this is achieved.

Construction of HS2’s first phase between London and the West Midlands is well underway, whilst Phase 2a early works are progressing. During building works, HS2 will seek, through design and mitigation, to control the effects of noise and vibration from within our worksites. Our contractors are carefully considering the methods they use to undertake the works, the type of plant or equipment that will be used and mitigation measures such as screening, all to ensure noise and vibration is reduced.

You can find our noise and vibration management policy here.

How we are controlling noise and vibration

We are setting high standards during construction to ensure were doing everything we can to reduce noise and vibration. Planning ahead is key to this. We always assess the potential impacts of our work before it starts to determine noise control methods and are always looking at ways of further reducing the effects.

The HS2 works are complex and require careful management. The aim is to control noise and vibration as much as possible at source from within our construction sites by applying management and monitoring processes known as ‘Best Practicable Means’ (BPM) during construction work.

The HS2 Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) outlines the measures we will implement to control and reduce noise and vibration during the construction of HS2. These include using quiet and low vibration equipment, locating noisy equipment in remote areas of the site, ensuring noisy works will take place during core hours and the use of screening and hoardings around equipment and worksites.

It is extremely unlikely that any damage will be done to a building’s structure or decorative finishes from vibration associated with construction or demolition work. If anyone has any concerns, you can contact our HS2 Helpdesk at any time for more information.

Special Circumstances

We are committed to being a good neighbour and treating communities with respect. HS2 recognises that, in some instances, buildings and the people who live in them may not be properly protected by our policies and that we need to consider these ‘special cases’ individually. Examples of special cases include but not limited to homes where noise insulation isn’t an option, such as houseboats or mobile homes as well as night workers and people with a medical condition which will be seriously aggravated by construction noise.

We have set up a panel to oversee and manage the assessment of all special case applications. The panel will consider your individual circumstances, together with any supporting information it may request from you or our contractors in order to decide whether any alternative mitigation or other reasonable adjustment should be offered. In such circumstances, any measures will be provided at the absolute discretion of HS2 Ltd.

We actively encourage individuals to make themselves known to either HS2 or our contractors in order that their individual circumstances can be considered by the panel.

Assurance and further information

Noise and vibration monitoring reports

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.

Noise monitoring data sets

We also publish the full data set from our monitors following publication of the monthly report.

View the data sets here.

Guide to the 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.

View a copy here.

Guide to temporary rehousing and the 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.

View a copy here.

New methods for reducing impacts

Old Oak Common piling rig

Old Oak Common piling rig

The site team at Old Oak Common responsible for undertaking sheet pile works used a WP150 Silent Piler system to reduce vibration.

Specialist multi-purpose vehicles for tunnels

Specialist multi-purpose vehicles for tunnels

To reduce noise and vibration site teams are using rubber tyred Multi-Purpose Vehicles to deliver materials and personnel inside tunnels.

Further information

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