In this episode, Nigel and Richard speak with Andrew McNaughton, former HS2 Technical Director, and one of its first two employees. They discuss the reasons behind HS2's alignment, speed, and capacity, emphasizing the importance of fighting for Phase 2A. The hosts also touch on the King's Speech, express concerns about the slow progress of the project, and discuss the implications of scrapping HS2 North. They highlight the need for factual correctness in salvaging the environment and share exciting news about future plans and a new team member.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
HS2 was designed to accommodate high train capacity, considering future growth and economic benefits.
The increase in costs for HS2 can be attributed to constant design changes and risk allocation decisions.
Phase 2a of the HS2 project, from Birmingham to Crewe, is crucial to unlocking significant capacity benefits.
Deep dives
Designing HS2 for Capacity and Future Growth
HS2 was designed to accommodate a high number of trains per hour and provide capacity for multiple cities to be served. The design considered the future growth of transportation needs and the economic and social benefits of connecting more people. The cost implications of design choices, such as the use of concrete slab track and tunnel construction, were carefully considered for long-term cost effectiveness and maintenance. The focus on capacity and reliability was emphasized, ensuring that the railway is built to withstand climate change and provide a sustainable transport solution.
Risk Allocation and Cost Increase
The increase in costs for HS2 can be attributed to a combination of constant design changes and risk allocation decisions. The responsibility of risk management and liability, often transferred to the contractors, led to design choices that prioritized mitigating risks rather than managing them efficiently. Engineering decisions, such as the depth of piles for overbridges and tension piles for cutting stability, were influenced by risk aversion, which in turn increased costs. The lack of a clear understanding of risks from the client's perspective and failure to consult organizations like the National Infrastructure Commission resulted in decisions that negatively impacted costs and engineering considerations.
Challenges with Terminus Station at Old Oak Common
Considering Old Oak Common as a terminus station poses challenges in terms of capacity and efficient rail operations. The station, designed as a through station, can only accommodate up to six trains per hour reliably due to limited connection points between up and down lines. Expanding the station or the nearby box for emergency crossovers is not feasible due to physical constraints. As a result, train entry and exit speeds are affected, causing potential delays and an intricate timetable coordination. Attempting to run more than six trains per hour would lead to congestion and unreliable operations, akin to existing constrained railway sections in other regions.
Importance of Salvaging Phase 2a
Phase 2a of the HS2 project, from Birmingham to Crewe, is crucial to unlocking significant capacity benefits. Not only is it one of the cheaper sections to build, but it also allows for the necessary re-engineering of the junction at Handsacre. Without Phase 2a, the connection to the West Coast Main Line becomes more complex and costly to implement. Salvaging Phase 2a is essential to avoid a complete disaster and ensure the long-term capacity and functionality of the HS2 project.
Cost Escalation Factors and Risks
Several factors contribute to cost escalation in large infrastructure projects like HS2. These include a lack of a skilled workforce, contractors taking on long-term risk without adequate consideration, over-design due to risk transfer, and client interference that leads to scope changes. Each of these factors has played a role in the increased costs of HS2. It is essential to address these issues and take a sensible, long-term approach to control costs and ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Reflecting on our recent appearance at the Transport Select Committee, in this episode of Green Signals we are delighted to be joined by Andrew McNaughton. Not only did Andrew give evidence with us at the TSC recently, he was HS2's Technical Director and one of its first two employees back in 2009.
There is no-one better to talk to in detail about why HS2 was designed the way it was (and, perhaps more importantly, why it wasn't designed differently)!
Andrew brilliantly describes reasons for HS2's alignment, speed and capacity. But the really important discussion is that we all agree just how vital it is to fight for Phase 2A to go ahead, for a whole host of reasons that you really do need to hear. Without it, we have all kinds of problems ahead.
We also explain in this episode what a White Paper is and what a select committee does.
Aside from HS2, Richard has a bit of a Victor Meldrew moment while giving his views on the King's Speech. To say he was underwhelmed by the announcement of a Draft Bill for GBR is a bit of an understatement...
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode