Work on the first of the tunnels required for HS2 is now underway, with a 170-metre tunnel boring machine having excavated the first few metres of a tunnel which will pass under the Chiltern Hills, just inside the M25 in Hertfordshire.
In total, 10 tunnel boring machines will be required to create the tunnels for the 140 miles of track that will form HS2, which is due to begin operation from 2029.
The decision of whether to grant a DCO (development consent order) for a 1.8GW offshore wind project off the Norfolk coast has been delayed. Originally planned for April 21, the decision will now be made on December 10th of this year.
This is to allow further investigation into the effects of both the onshore and offshore infrastructure.
A TWAO (Transport Works Act Order) has been submitted by Northumberland County Council for powers to open the long-closed Northumberland Line.
The project would include upgrading 29km of the line, adding six new stations as well as footbridges and signalling.
The Council has applied for compulsory purchase powers to acquire land permanently and temporarily for access and work sites.
The government has announced £11.8m of funding for Lyminster Bypass in West Sussex. The new road would provide better access to Littlehampton, and reduce journey times in the area, as well boost the local economy by supporting 700 new jobs and 1,260 new homes.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “Local residents deserve quicker, easier and more reliable journeys in and out of Littlehampton and around West Sussex, and that’s exactly what this scheme will deliver, along with new jobs, houses and safer and better journeys for cyclists and pedestrians”.
The government’s National Infrastructure Strategy sets a bold target to halve the time taken to consent some NSIPS. Robbie Owen, National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) Board Secretary, explains the challenge.
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