CaRT submits HS2 petition

THE Canal & River Trust has today, Friday, submitted its petition to the House of Commons in respect of the High Speed Rail (London—West Midlands) Bill to seek the protection and  of the waterways along the proposed Phase 1 route.

While the Trust does not oppose its construction in principle, it submits that the HS2 will require the construction of some significant engineering structures over and beside the waterways, and has been working with others to mitigate any negative impact and maximise the opportunities presented by HS2 for regeneration.

Fradley

It points out that the proposed HS2 route crosses the Trent & Mersey Canal at Fradley Junction in four places in close proximity and at different levels, with embankments and crossings in close proximity to the listed Woodend Lock and Lock Cottage, that will have a dramatically adverse impact upon a particularly tranquil length of a rural canal.

The Trust is seeking adoption of an alternative HS2 alignment which it believes is technically feasible. Furthermore, it removes the need to cross over the waterway network at numerous points and the Trust believes it provides potential costs savings of at least £50 million.

Digbeth

Working in partnership with Birmingham City Council the Trust is petitioning to ensure that the plans for Curzon Street Station are designed to help waterway regeneration through the creation of a new canal quarter in Eastside and Digbeth.

In the Scrubs Lane area on the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal, the Trust is seeking commitment that the construction and operation of HS2 will not have an adverse impact on the structural stability of a vital retaining wall. Although this wall is not owned by the Trust, it provides support to the canal.

Chesterfield Canal

There is no mention in the petition of the crossing of HS2 in numerous places at near ground level, over the Chesterfield Canal that is undergoing restoration, nor its extreme close proximity to the new Staveley Basin.