News on HS2 in Camden

What are the works?

Between 31 March 2017 and 21 July 2017 Network Rail (NR) will continue to undertake work to prepare for building the new High Speed 2 (HS2) railway. Whilst much of the works have been completed various issues including bad weather, mechanical issues and operational impacts from the railway mean that certain activities needed to be rescheduled. As a result some of the rescheduled work has been incorporated into Network Rail's Works Programme which continues until the end of July. Click here for Appendix A and B which describes the detail of what Network Rail expect the work to consist of over the coming five weeks to 8 May 2017, and in which area it is planned to happen.

Work between 31 March 2017 and 21 July 2017 involves removing redundant overhead line equipment, minor improvement works and surveys, vegetation removal and the construction and modification of access points and safety barriers and managing machine movements both on and off track.

Also, over this period NR's local maintenance teams will continue to carry out non HS2 related work to maintain the railway in the Euston Area.

Why is the work being being undertaken?

Network Rail is undertaking these works to allow train services to continue to run to and from Euston station during the construction of HS2.

To guarantee safety, much of this work must be carried out while trains are not running and when the overhead line is isolated. Network Rail is contractually obliged to work whenever possible at times that cause the least disruption to train services. This often means carrying out improvements mid-week between 08:00 and 18:00, during weekday night-time possessions between 21:00 and 06:45 and at weekends between 18:00 Saturday to 06:45 on the following Monday. To minimise disruption, Network Rail have scheduled these works to coincide with wider railway maintenance work at Euston. It is possible, however, that as a result of operational requirements or incidents beyond Network Rail's control, work may be cancelled, postponed, rescheduled or carried out in a different area, at very short notice.

How will this affect me and will this be noisy?

Network Rail is working closely with Camden Council to minimise the impact of these works. All works carried out by Network Rail relating to HS2 enabling works have been agreed in consultation with HS2 Ltd and Camden Council, and will comply with Section 61 of the Control of Pollutioct 1974, which places restrictions on noisy works.

This work will be carried out under an extension of the existing Section 61 in place with Camden Council.

Unnecessary noise will be minimised where possible – for instance through the use of noise barriers, silenced generators, and continuous noise monitoring. However, for safety reasons, it is not always possible to provide acoustic noise barriers when work at height is taking place or works trains and track mounted vehicles are moving within the work area, where statutory rail industry safety warnings such as train horns and vehicle alarms are mandatory. Installation of temporary lighting is also required to give adequate and safe lighting levels for staff working at night and during overcast weather conditions.

All staff and contractors are regularly briefed on working responsibly in the local community.

Who should I contact if I have further queries?

Network Rail will do all they can to ensure their work does not disrupt residents and businesses. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any additional questions or concerns. Please visit www.networkrail.co.uk or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 .

If you have any questions about HS2 or why Network Rail is carrying out this work in preparation for HS2, please contact the HS2 helpdesk which is available 24 hours a day on 08081 434 434 or email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk