THE tunnelling of HS2 under Ickenham has been thrust back into the spotlight.
The London Assembly has today called for a tunnelled section under Ickenham in their response to the High Speed 2 Design Refinement Consultation and Draft Environmental Statement.
The HS2 Consultation stated: “This proposed change consists of replacing the proposed surface section of the route between Old Oak Common and Northolt with a bored tunnel including three new vent shafts.”
The Transport Committee responded that a tunnelled section for this part of the HS2 route would be ‘partial improvement’ on the previous proposals. However, the Committee have urged the government to “revisit options to extend the tunnel to the west of the Colne Valley – avoiding the need for a viaduct across the River Colne – as suggested by the London Borough of Hillingdon”.
Labour London Assembly Member for Hillingdon Dr Onkar Sahota said:
“Residents are rightly concerned about the impact of HS2 on the local environment. I am pleased that finally their concerns have been acknowledged and there are plans in place to tunnel along the Northolt Corridor. However, these proposals are still far from perfect and I am delighted the London Assembly has today backed the campaign to have a longer tunnel past Ickenham.
“Residents in Hillingdon will have to put up with a high volume of traffic whilst HS2 is being constructed which could potentially last up to seven years. They deserve to have their concerns listened to.”
