Preparations at London Euston for the construction of HS2 have taken the next step with the demolition of the station’s western ramp and canopy.
Removal of the structure, which has been in place since the modernisation of Euston in the 1960s as part of the electrification of the West Coast main line, took 13 weeks and paves the way for the construction of the new HS2 Euston station.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, work on site was paused on 23 March but restarted on 16 April once Government-approved safe working practices were in place. The work was carried out by Network Rail, HS2 and its contractor Skanska.
The western ramp was used to access the parcel deck on the first floor of the station. The area was once used as a Royal Mail parcel sorting depot, taking parcels from the trains on three dedicated platforms for parcel freight.
The ramp allowed vehicle access to the upper deck, but the parcel depot was taken out of use when post began being transported on road due to increased passenger demand.
Patrick Cawley, HS2 and Network Rail On Network Works director, said: “The completion of this work is of major significance to the HS2 project and marks the first piece of structural work to Euston station in order for the new high speed station to be built. It has been an important and successful piece of collaborative work between the teams at HS2, Network Rail and Skanska.
“HS2 will transform the way we travel in the UK, helping to improve the current train network and providing new low carbon journeys and improving air quality for future generations.”
Patrick Vallely, senior programme manager for HS2 enabling works and the station redevelopment said: “I’m excited to be a part of the joint NR , HS2 and Skanska team that through great collaboration , effort and use of joint skills successfully dismantled the west ramp and canopy to meet the original completion date – despite a necessary pause in works for 3-4 weeks to implement essential Covid-19 safety measures.”
