HS2 is developing a more detailed design for Phase One of the HS2 railway, following the appointment of its main works contractors. The design process is helping HS2 plan and prepare for the construction of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Part of the design process involves identifying opportunities to minimise the impact of the railway on local communities and the environment, while ensuring value for money. 

HS2 published its plans to extend the Bromford tunnel from Birmingham into Warwickshire, increasing the length of the tunnel from 2.8km to 5.7km and minimising the overall impact of HS2 across the area. The eastern portal will be moved 3 km to east, a vent shaft will be constructed in Castle Bromwich Business Park, the western portal will be moved 100 m to west, but it will remain within Washwood Heath site. 

The Phase One High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Act generally allows HS2 to refine the design of the railway in this way, although some additional consents for specific, technical aspects of the plans are required. But last 31/03/2021 Grant Shapps the Transport Secretary of UK decided  that an environmental impact assessment is required in relation to the proposed Bromford Tunnel Extension Scheme. HS2 is considering this decision to understand its implications and a update will be communicated as soon as possible. For further information on the project please click here and uk/65 for the tunnelbuilder archive.  Visit https://hs2inwarwicks.commonplace.is/proposals/bromford-tunnel and https://www.hs2.org.uk/. 16/21.