Yesterday it was really good to get the opportunity to get on site and meet with the HS2 team at West Ruislip. For starters it was great to see some of the processes now in place off the back of the feedback from residents.
We primarily discussed the work going on ahead of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) launching from this site in the spring. The first point that many residents may have already noticed is the removal of street furniture on certain roads. This was to facilitate the delivery of some of the biggest components from the TBMs. These deliveries have now all been completed and so this will no longer require such a large scale of disruption.
The next piece of news is a little bittersweet, but HS2 are required to do some utilities work before the TBMs pass underneath them. The one section which falls in my constituency is works out Ickenham High Road, outside West Ruislip station. The positive news is that thanks to the hard work of councillors, officers, and residents we have now managed to change the programme of works to ensure the road will not now be closed. The central reservation will be taken out to ensure there is still space for two lanes of traffic while the work is undertaken. This is due to start on 10th January.
The other major set of works is going to be taking place in Uxbridge and South Ruislip down by Ruislip Gardens station and it is my understanding that conversations are still being had about the specifics and time frames.
Constituents who regularly travel down Breakspear Road South will know how frustrating the traffic lights are just after the railway bridge. We also discussed this point and while I understand they have had issues with the traffic lights, it is the intention that there the bridge connecting the HS2 sites either side of the road will be open in February or March next year.
I am in no doubt that we are about to enter a period of works which are going to be very disruptive, with HS2 working more within the community and not just their sites. However, I am hopeful that once the TBMs have launched in April and May we shall find ourselves in a much better place as the tunnelling operation gets into a regular pattern of work.
As always if you are experiencing particular difficulties please get in touch and my office and I shall do all we can to assist.
