The UK’s new high-speed railway has taken another step forward today with the granting of Royal Assent for the High Speed Two (HS2) Phase 2a hybrid Bill. This significant milestone sees HS2 Ltd secure the powers to construct and operate the accelerated section of the Phase 2 route between Fradley and Crewe.
Arup supported a significant proportion of the work to deliver the Phase 2a hybrid Bill, providing civil engineering design and environmental services. This has included the development of the preliminary design for the route, a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), production of the Environmental Statement and Bill submission documents for both the hybrid Bill and its additional provisions, as well as supporting HS2 Ltd in progressing the Bill through Parliament.
Arup continues to work with HS2 Ltd in preparing the project for construction, supporting the Employer’s Requirements Design that sets out the requirements for the project, undertaking environmental surveys and providing technical support to the Ground Investigation that will inform the line’s construction.
Over 2,200 colleagues from Arup and the wider project team have worked on the project, based across the Midlands, London and South East, and the North of England. Several specialist sub-consultants have assisted our work, including Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Costain.
Phase 2a will connect with Phase One in the West Midlands to carry passengers between London and Crewe, allowing HS2 services to continue seamlessly to Liverpool, Manchester and beyond.
