HS2 C2-C3 Groundwater & Surface Water Monitoring

Due for completion in 2033, the HS2 (High Speed 2) rail network is one of the largest and most complex civil engineering projects in the UK.

Project overview

The HS2 high-speed rail project is one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the UK, designed to enhance connectivity between major cities. The C2-C3 section spans 80km from Great Missenden in the South to Southam in the North and includes earthworks, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other major structures. This section, valued at approximately £1.34 billion, is the largest along the HS2 route.

Client

Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and BAM Nuttall (EKFB)

Project owner

HS2 Ltd

WJ was engaged to provide a comprehensive groundwater and surface water monitoring programme to assess environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Project Scope and Challenges

WJ’s scope covered extensive baseline and construction-phase environmental monitoring, including:

Water Sampling & Field Testing: Conducting multi-parameter field assessments and laboratory chemical testing to monitor water quality.
Flow & Ecology Surveys: Assessing hydrological changes and ecological impact across various watercourses.
Instrumentation & Telemetric Monitoring: Providing  real-time data collection to track groundwater and surface water conditions.
Data Visualisation & Reporting: Delivering structured reports in compliance with HS2’s technical specifications and the Water Framework Directive.

Managing over 428 active borehole and surface water monitoring locations, along with 215 active discharge points, required a highly organised approach. Testing schedules varied based on site conditions, weather events, and construction activities, demanding a flexible and proactive strategy.

WJ’s Innovative Approach

WJ deployed cutting-edge technology to streamline data management and forecasting:

Custom-Developed Monitoring Software: Allowed field teams to access real-time location, activity status,  and sampling requirements on tablets, ensuring  efficient operations.
Automated Lookahead Programme: Provided dynamic forecasting of future monitoring needs based on evolving construction schedules, reducing delays  and improving cost planning.
Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Protection: Ensured strict adherence to HS2’s environmental commitments by proactively managing water quality data and providing early warnings on potential risks.

A Key Contribution to HS2’s Success

WJ’s real-time data collection and reporting systems enabled HS2’s construction teams to make informed decisions, optimising project efficiency while maintaining environmental integrity. The ability to dynamically adjust monitoring schedules improved compliance tracking and minimised disruptions.

The WJ Difference

At WJ, we combine industry expertise with innovative data solutions to support large-scale infrastructure projects. Our work on the HS2 C2-C3 section highlights our ability to manage complex environmental monitoring programs with precision and adaptability.

Other projects

WJ Group have completed many projects in the UK and globally. Click on the links below to learn more about what we do.

Contact WJ Group

Are you ready to see what else our vision can bring to your projects? Speak to our team of groundwater experts today!