The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss the ongoing progress and impacts of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project. Key discussions included the reset of the HS2 programme, environmental mitigation efforts, traffic management, and the long-term legacy of the project.

HS2 Programme Reset and Progress

The committee received a comprehensive update on the HS2 project, with significant focus on the programme's reset phase. This reset, led by HS2 Ltd, aims to stabilise delivery and provide greater certainty on costs and timeframes. A key element of this reset is the establishment of a 50-mile priority area between Washwood Heath in Birmingham and the north portal of the Wendover Green Tunnel in Buckinghamshire. This priority area will see the first installation of railway systems to support testing.

Representatives from HS2, including Mark Clapp, Project Client, and William Lowe, Traffic Manager, detailed the progress of civil engineering works being undertaken by contractors Align and EKFB. Align's work includes the Colne Valley Viaduct and the Chiltern Tunnels, with main works now completed. EKFB is responsible for sections from Wendover to Turweston, including several viaducts and the Wendover Green Tunnel. While acknowledging the disruption caused, HS2 highlighted significant progress in earthworks, with 7.4 million cubic metres completed in 2025 and a further 6.2 million cubic metres planned for 2026.

However, uncertainty remains regarding the overall timeline for the HS2 project, with no confirmed dates for when rail systems will be mobilised or when the first train will run. This lack of clarity was a recurring concern for committee members, who stressed the importance of timely and transparent communication with residents.

Environmental Mitigation and Legacy

The committee heard about HS2's extensive environmental mitigation efforts. Julien Diaz, Senior Environment Manager, presented on initiatives contributing to Buckinghamshire's Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy, including significant carbon emission reductions through the use of rail for material transport. HS2 reported avoiding 96,432 lorry deliveries in 2025, resulting in 11,159 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.

Efforts to improve air quality were detailed, with 100% compliance with Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) standards by EKFB and 80% of all NRMM on HS2 sites being Stage V compliant, exceeding industry expectations. Dust emission exceedances were reported as zero in Buckinghamshire for 2025. Innovative technologies such as solar-powered CCTV units and lighting, and the use of alternative fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and hydrogen, were highlighted as key to reducing environmental impact.

Contributions to the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Local Nature Recovery Strategy were also outlined, including the creation of ecological mitigation sites, ponds, and bat and badger habitats. Over 39,893 trees were planted in Buckinghamshire in 2025/2026, with a further 30,658 to be planted. A new online interactive map for the Chilterns National Landscape is being developed to provide residents with detailed information on landscaping plans.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Peter Martin and Councillor Thomas Broom regarding the balance between mitigation and genuine environmental gain, and the need for a more granular, local approach to reporting these efforts. Councillor David Carroll also emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding flood risk assessments and monitoring.

Traffic Management and Highway Impacts

William Lowe, HS2 Traffic Manager, provided an update on traffic management coordination, highlighting regular liaison group meetings, weekly pre-application meetings with the council, and ongoing monitoring of traffic management systems. The committee heard that the Road Safety Fund (RSF) has allocated £3.6 million to date for 47 road safety schemes in Buckinghamshire, with a further 18 schemes approved for delivery by the end of 2026.

However, significant pressure on Buckinghamshire's highway network due to HS2 construction remains a major concern. Councillor Peter Martin raised issues with poorly managed temporary traffic lights causing delays and residents jumping lights. The council continues to press HS2 Ltd for better management of traffic and to utilise the latest technology.

Damage to the county's roads from HS2 construction traffic is also a persistent issue. While HS2 has agreed to extend the Pothole Fund, the council is seeking further extensions and focusing on the agreed claims process for extensive road repairs, particularly on routes like 'C3' in Calvert. The handover and adoption of highway infrastructure by HS2 Ltd is expected to extend throughout 2026 and beyond, with the council undertaking site inspections to ensure construction meets agreed standards.

Community Engagement and Legacy

Joel Sykes, Senior Engagement and Interface Lead, presented on HS2's extensive community engagement activities, including over 360 community meetings, webinars, drop-in events, and site visits in Buckinghamshire over the past year. The aim is to avoid surprises for local communities by providing advance notice of works and impacts.

The HS2 Community & Business Funds have awarded over £5 million to 95 local projects in Buckinghamshire. HS2 also supports a wide range of community initiatives, reaching over 13,500 students through school engagement events and contributing to local projects such as running tracks and playground improvements.

The long-term legacy of the HS2 project was a key theme, with Councillor Peter Martin expressing a desire for more detailed information on what areas will look like post-construction and what the project's legacy will be. The committee was pleased to hear that more information on landscaping plans would be provided, which is seen as a significant part of the project's impact on Buckinghamshire.

Other Matters

The committee also discussed the new burdens placed on the council due to HS2 infrastructure being transferred, with ongoing efforts to secure formal confirmation and financial settlement from the Department for Transport. The Environmental Mitigation Fund for specific parishes has been extended to March 2030. The potential cumulative impacts of HS2 in conjunction with other major developments, such as East West Rail and the Grendon Underwood prison, were also noted.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from HS2 representatives to continue working closely with Buckinghamshire Council to ensure statutory obligations are met, disruption is minimised, and local commitments are delivered.