Kenilworth's MP promises to help minimise disruption caused by local HS2 road closures
By James Smith
1st May 2024 | Local News
Kenilworth's MP has promised to help minimise the disruption caused by HS2 in the area, particularly focusing on road closures.
In a video shared on social media Sir Jeremy Wright admitted the high speed rail link was "beyond the point of no return" and said the only alternative is to make sure it is built with as little stress as possible for residents.
The Conservative MP for Kenilworth and Southam hosts a regular forum with HS2, contractors and local councillors which he says has been very effective in pre-empting possible issues on local roads.
"What we have been able to do is try and get a better overview, not just for HS2 but for others involved in road works, of what the project is doing, so we can make sure that every road into the town isn't closed at once," he explained.
"We have been able to shorten the length of some road closures by working with HS2 and its contractors to persuade them to minimise the amount of time roads are closed for or traffic lights are in place."
He added: "I accept many people would prefer HS2 didn't happen at all.
"But if it is going to happen, surely the right approach is we do all we can to make the process as painless as it can possibly be."
Town councillors have continued to call for better coordination of road closures between HS2 and Warwickshire County Council over the past year.
In particular members at Kenilworth Town Council have raised concerns about the 14-month closure of Dalehouse Lane next year, the A46 and other routes into the town.
Sir Jeremy added: "I fully understand for a lot of people…you wish HS2 weren't here at all and that you didn't have to put up with all of this and all of the disruption that comes with it.
"But I am afraid the truth is that HS2 is here and you can see…from throughout our area, HS2 is beyond the point of no return.
"And therefore I think it is my responsibility as a member of parliament for this area to try and manage the process as well as we can to reduce the disruption as much as we can.
"The way I try and do that is numerous."
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