New bypass agreed for Chipping Warden
People living in and around Chipping Warden will benefit from a new bypass that will be built as part of the HS2 north-south rail project.
Following negotiations between HS2 Ltd and Northamptonshire County Council, the Government has today agreed to propose an amendment to the HS2 Hybrid Bill to include the construction of the bypass. The new road, a long-held desire of the community, will be of particular benefit to the pupils and parents of the Chipping Warden Primary School on the A361 Byfield Road.
The changes, which will be included in a future additional provision to the bill, reflect the wishes of many residents and stakeholders throughout the area.
The HS2 line itself will pass north of Chipping Warden in a tunnel.
Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said:
The agreement with Northamptonshire County Council to provide a bypass for Chipping Warden is a fantastic outcome for everyone involved; particularly children who attend the school and residents.
This is a further example of how the government is listening to communities along the HS2 route. By working together, we can ensure this vital railway is designed in the right way, so we have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned.
HS2 Chief Executive Simon Kirby added:
I’m delighted that by working closely with the local authorities and other interested parties we have been able to reach this agreement.
This change underlines our commitment to doing all we can to resolve the concerns of communities and we look forward to continued partnership working throughout the select committee process.
Councillor Michael Clarke, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said:
This historic agreement,which will both remove HS2 construction traffic from the village of Chipping Warden and provide a lasting benefit once the railway is built, demonstrates the value of the work we have been doing with the government and the local community to try and resolve these issues.
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