HS2 'needs to be challenged' over road reopening

HS2 "needs to be challenged" over the delayed reopening of a road closed as part of the project, a parish councillor has said.

Part of Radstone Road, between Brackley and Helmdon in Northamptonshire, has been shut since early November to allow for realignment works.

It had been due to reopen in mid-December, but HS2 said it would now not be ready until mid-February after an audit found it was not yet safe for traffic.

John Marchant, the HS2 liaison on Helmdon Parish Council, called on frustrated locals to raise complaints with HS2 Ltd.

In a post on Facebook, he said: "Just prior to Christmas I was tipped off that the chances of the Radstone Rd opening on time were slim to say the least.

"It appears a design fault had been discovered. This is not the first time this has happened. A few months ago similar problems were discovered on the bridge over the A43."

Mr Marchant said Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council should also face criticism for "not holding HS2 to account, in open forum, on our behalf".

"We need to complain to the top of both trees," he said.

West Northamptonshire Council has been approached for comment.

The realignment of Radstone Road is part of a project to install an overbridge south of the village of Radstone.

HS2 Ltd said the bridge was made up of a single span of a 57m (187ft) steel beam with a width of 15.1m (49.5ft). It is supported by two reinforced abutments at a height of 9.5m (31ft).

In a letter to residents, HS2 Ltd said that a safety auditor had "advised that the existing road alignment and the transition to the new road are not yet safe to re-open".

"At this stage, we are unsure of the exact re-work required to address these concerns," it said.

"A detailed reassessment will take place in the new year... we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to ensure the road is safe for everyone."

HS2 Ltd said it aimed to improve journeys between London and Birmingham while freeing up space on the existing West Coast Main Line for more freight and local services.

The service was expected to be open by 2033, but in June the government announced this target would not be met and no updated timescale has yet been provided.

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