Ealing North MP Challenges HS2 on Greenford Road Works Delay
James Murray says no updates are being given for project overrun
HS2 works information sign on Greenford Road by the roundabout
April 11, 2024
Ealing North MP James Murray has responded to growing frustration with roadworks in the Greenford area by writing to the Chair of HS2.
The company is responsible for the works on Greenford Road, which have caused months of disruption in the local area. Traffic under the railway on Greenford Road is reduced to one lane, but this work had been expected to finish in mid-March 2024, having started in September 2023.
However, HS2 announced last month they would be extended to April. Since then, the information boards began saying they will continue till May, and HS2 officials were unable to respond to the MP’s request last week for a firm end date.
Two new gas mains are being installed as the old mains were in poor condition and needed to be replaced before HS2 tunnels are constructed in the area. The condition of one of the mains is understood to have caused the initial delays to the works.
In his letter to Sir Jon Thompson, Mr Murray wrote that he and many local residents were “extremely frustrated and irritated, not only by the disruption the works are causing, but also by the constant moving of goalposts by HS2 and the lack of, or inconsistency of, information provided.”
He asked what HS2 is doing to accelerate the project and when will it be finished. Additionally, he wanted to know what compensation is on offer for the local community affected by these works and what other works are planned around Greenford Road once the current utility works are complete?
He also copied the letter to the Government Transport Minister urging him to intervene, and to Ealing Council to ask them to support his efforts.
The MP met with HS2 last summer to raise his concerns over the disruption these works would cause and pressed for two-way traffic to be maintained under the railway, but HS2 said this was not possible. Back then, he was first told the works would be completed by January 2024.
He said, “Lots of people I speak to are extremely frustrated by the disruption these HS2 works on Greenford Road have been causing – and HS2 keep extending them. I have written to the head of HS2, urging them to come clean on what is going on, and to do more to mitigate the effect of these works. It feels like they are taking decisions without a second thought about the impact these works are having on the local community.”
HS2 confirmed receipt of Mr Murray’s letter and said it would respond to all the issues he has raised.
The most recent delay to completion is understood to be due to Vodaphone communications cables being found that HS2’s contractors were previously unaware of.
A spokesperson for HS2 said, “In order to construct tunnels for HS2 we need to divert, maintain and repair a number of utilities that are in its path, including a gas pipe on Greenford Road. To do this safely, we have introduced a lane closure along the road. We are committed to reducing disruption to local residents and road users and have signage and diversionary routes in place to reduce traffic impacts.
"We have kept the local community and businesses updated about these works regularly through letters, door knocks, and an engagement event. Our works have been extended whilst we complete the diversion of communications cables nearby and a notification has been issued to local residents.”
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