SOLIHULL COUNCIL is set to give HS2 a month to comply with its demands over construction of the new railway line and road network.
HS2 has submitted proposals to the council to modify surrounding highways to enable works on the railway line, and greater access to the proposed Interchange station.
The council is set to approve in principle changes to parts of the A452 Chester Road, A446 Stonebridge Road and B4438 Bickenhill Parkway, subject to conditions.
An agenda report prepared for a cabinet meeting next Thursday (August 8) states the council still requires safety certification, a works and traffic management plan to minimise disruption to businesses and updated design plans for traffic signal installations, modelling and street lighting among other things.
The report states that if HS2 does not comply within 28 days then the application could be rejected.
The decision is set to be delegated to leading council officers and the cabinet member for growth and infrastructure Ted Richards.
The report adds that HS2 needs approval to allow construction to start on two out of the four main bridge structures in the Autumn – one of the critical elements in their construction programme.
HS2’s highways plans include a revamp to manage traffic demand on the A452 Chester Road and B4338 Bickenhill Parkway, providing new access to the NEC and Birmingham Business Park.
The application also includes a new roundabout over the railway line at the proposed junction of the A452 and A446.
HS2 is also required to carry out improvements at the A45 Birmingham / Coventry Road junction with the A446 / A452 at Stonebridge, the report adds.
But the council is also set to call for alterations to parts of the plan.
It wants a traffic signal controlled T junction instead of a roundabout by Solihull Parkway, amid fears it would increase congestion.
It also stipulates that plans for a roundabout on the B4438 Bickenhill Parkway must also include traffic signals to help manage times of high usage.
And a two-way service road to provide access to Quartz Point business park and Melbicks Garden Centre has also been recommended for alteration by council officers.
It wants a small roundabout to be constructed to mitigate ‘road safety risks’, the report states.
But, on the whole, the report states that detrimental affects to local amenities and road safety is limited.
Concerns remain over managing the additional demand generated by the Interchange station – with modelling based on ‘assumptions’ open to error.
The report states: “The evening peak period, 5pm to 6pm, is where there is the greatest concern and pressure.
“Commuters travelling on HS2, to and from London, will conflict with those travelling home from the nearby commercial and retail facilities including event traffic from the NEC.”
