Visualisations

We have produced visualisations of various points along the proposed route as we believe it is very important to give people a fair representation of how the line would look. This means that they can make informed comment on its visual impact when they respond to the consultation. And we can use their feedback to shape decisions on reducing visual impact, through design changes and mitigation, if the project is taken forward.

Objectors to HS2 have produced their own, inaccurate images. This is misleading for those trying to find out what impact the line would have in their local area. Our visualisations accurately depict how the railway would look if it’s built exactly according to current designs. If the proposals go ahead, in the next stage of work we would start detailed design work, on structures that would suit the local landscape. 

HS2 animation

Watch our animation of High Speed Rail in action:

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HS2 Roadshow

Since March 24, the HS2 roadshow has been visiting locations along the proposed line of route as part of the Government’s public consultation. This is one of thebiggest and most wide-ranging consultations that any government has ever done.

A really important part of it is the roadshows. We want people to come along and ask questions about issues that matter to them. Our engineers, environmentalists, business and property experts are on hand to answer them. Everyone’s welcome to come and find out more. At the roadshows we also distribute consultation background information (also available from our online HS2 library).

Bechstein’s Bats

Lately there’s been some discussion about whether the proposed HS2 route would affect a number of Bechstein’s Bats discovered along the line of route. There has been concern that the bats’ habitat could be lost should the proposed railway be built.

The rare breed of bat was recently found in Finemere Wood near Aylesbury by the local bat group, who have been using new methods to locate this species.

At the moment it is too early to know whether Bechstein’s Bats would be affected by the proposed line, as so little is known about them. But bats are a protected species by law and we would certainly make sure we avoid any negative impact on the Bechstein’s Bats.