Skanska has finalised £450M enabling works at Euston station, marking a significant transformation to accommodate the HS2 rail line.
- The station underwent extensive modifications, ensuring operational continuity during HS2 construction.
- Over seven years, 43 projects were completed, addressing infrastructure needs and enhancing the station’s capacity.
- Safety and sustainability were prioritised, achieving millions of safe work hours and notable carbon reductions.
- The future of HS2 Euston station remains uncertain amidst funding and construction challenges.
Skanska, one of the key contractors, has successfully completed £450M worth of enabling works at Euston station. This monumental task was undertaken in preparation for the new High Speed 2 (HS2) London terminus. This development, commissioned by Network Rail, has significantly transformed the station to accommodate the incoming high-speed rail line.
Key modifications at the station included substantial structural changes to allow for integration with the planned HS2 route and existing rail services. The works ensured that Euston station remains operational throughout the ongoing HS2 construction. Efforts required meticulous planning and coordination, involving 43 distinct multi-disciplinary projects that addressed various infrastructural elements around the station.
These projects ranged from strengthening the station building to demolishing platforms and constructing new facilities, such as a maintenance delivery unit and waste management structures. A significant upgrade to the power infrastructure included a new 11kv network with four high voltage substations, as well as extensive upgrades within the station’s basement.
During the height of construction, the project engaged over 200 personnel and reached an impressive safety milestone of 3.25 million hours without injury. Additionally, the sustainability efforts were commendable, with a carbon reduction target of 15% not only met but exceeded, with some packages achieving up to an 80% reduction.
James Ralph, the Skanska project director, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting the collaborative effort and innovative solutions that prioritised safety. Network Rail programme manager Neil Soden also praised the partnership and effective delivery amidst the complexity of the site.
Notwithstanding these impressive achievements, the future of HS2 Euston remains uncertain. The station and the tunnel leading to it are currently on hold, pending confirmation of funding and timing from the government. Initially intended to be a multi-platform terminus, the scope was scaled back significantly in 2021. The government announced a two-year pause in construction in March 2023, aiming to devise a more affordable design.
In light of these developments, the UK government has taken control over the Euston project, indicating that future progress hinges on private investment. The reduction in the number of platforms proposed for the HS2 Euston station has prompted concerns over the future operational capacity of the high-speed network. While there is reported interest from private sectors, the detailed progression remains undisclosed.
A coalition of transport experts has appealed to the government for the completion of the high-speed line from Euston to Crewe. They argue this would create a transformative infrastructure spine, though challenges persist as the deadline for private funding proposals has passed without resolution.
The completion of enabling works at Euston is a substantial milestone, but the future of the HS2 project requires decisive governmental action.
