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<p>The design of HS2 has sought to minimise disruption to the conventional rail network
during construction. While the majority of construction works will not affect the
existing railway, ‘possessions’ will be needed so that works on or near the existing
railway can be done safely.</p><p> </p><p>As many as possible of these works will
be undertaken at night and weekend maintenance periods so as to minimise disruption
to passenger and freight services. However, for certain major HS2 works that cannot
be accommodated within these maintenance periods, possessions of a longer duration
will be required.</p><p> </p><p>Possessions will be booked by or through Network Rail
(NR) in accordance with standard industry processes and will be planned to minimise
disruption. In planning engineering works HS2 Ltd and NR will work with train operators
and freight operators to make sure there are suitable alternative route and travel
options available.</p><p> </p><p>The possessions planning process includes consultation
with the wider railway industry, including operators and users, to ensure that the
relevant information is provided, that the possessions are considered in the context
of wider railway operations, and that appropriate mitigation measures are put in place.
Where compensation is due for the impacts of possessions on operators, it is anticipated
such compensation will be provided in accordance with standard industry processes.</p><p>
</p><p>We continue to work with HS2 and other organisations to reduce the impact of
works.</p>
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