HS2 (through their contractors SCS) are undertaking a series of essential Utilities works in 2022 in advance of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) travelling from near West Ruislip Tube Station under the ground in a tunnel to Old Oak Common in Acton. Any present Utilities along the route (such as gas, electricity, water and sewerage pipes) have to either be diverted or be renewed or reinforced so that the vibration from the movement of the TBM travelling underneath them will not cause breakages and damage to the existing pipework.
In West End Road before the main works are undertaken (which are likely to be for 3-4 months in duration and not happening before the 2nd quarter of 2022) HS2 need to survey the Utilities in the area to find out exactly where they are, so they can design how they tackle the main works and the subsequent traffic management that arises from that. To achieve this they need to dig trial holes and use CCTV cameras to locate the Utilities under West End Road to inform their design decisions.
These works have been split into 3 Phases, in different locations on West End Road, and the details of these works are as follows:
Phase 1 – From 05/01/22 to 07/01/22 (core working hours between 7am and 7pm).
Temporary Northbound Lane Closure between Bedford Rd & Masala & Coal pub / 3-way traffic lights plus London Underground Depot access on demand (core hours working but Traffic Management to be erected after midnight in preparation for 7am start) – manual control of traffic lights 6am to 10pm.
Please note that access to the pub for deliveries will be maintained but the pub Car Park will be closed to patrons. It has been agreed with HS2 & LB Hillingdon Parking Services that patrons of the pub can park for free at the nearby Car Park on Sidmouth Drive during the works on 05/01/22 to 07/01/22.
Phase 2 – From 10/01/22 to 12/01/22 (core working hours between 7am and 7pm).
2 way traffic lights for Southbound Lane Closure between Sidmouth Drive & Berkeley Close, bus stop suspended & Roundways & Sidmouth Drive closed (side roads) / (core hours working but Traffic Management to be erected after midnight in preparation for 7am start) – manual control of traffic lights 6am to 10pm.
Phase 3 – From 13/01/22 to 14/01/22 (core working hours between 7am and 7pm).
2 way traffic lights for Northbound Lane Closure between Sidmouth Drive & Berkeley Close, bus stop suspended & Roundways & Sidmouth Drive closed (side roads) / (core hours working but Traffic Management to be erected after midnight in preparation for 7am start) – manual control of traffic lights 6am to 10pm.
HS2 have carried out community engagement activities with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders such as RAF Northolt and the local schools in the area to advise of these works. While there will be increased traffic congestion in the area due to these works, there will be Variable Message Signs and Advance Warning Signs being placed in strategic locations nearby over the Christmas period to give road users advance warning of these works.
Please note that LB Hillingdon Officers have been extensively involved in meetings with HS2 and their contractors to streamline these works as much as is possible in order to get the best solution available for our residents and road users in this area, and we will be closely monitoring the works when they happen to ensure that HS2 and their contractors keep to the agreed schedule and to expedite the works if at all possible.