Euston Throat Retained Cut – HS2 Enabling Works

Downwell has been appointed by the Skanska, Costain and STRABAG joint venture (“SCS”) to deliver enabling works for the HS2 programme at the Euston Approaches. Working within a highly constrained rail environment, our team completed complex structural removals and major site preparation activities while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Phase 1 (£1.75m) is now complete, with Phase 2 of the agreed works (£350,000) scheduled to begin by Q3 2026.

Scope

The enabling works for Skanska, Costain and STRABAG joint venture (“SCS”) involve:

Removal of a substantial retaining wall in the Euston Throat area.
Excavation and clearance of 14,000m³ of waste material to support future HS2 construction phases.
Carefully planned operations within a live urban rail setting, minimising disruption while meeting programme requirements.

Challenges and Expertise

Operating adjacent to one of London’s busiest transport hubs required precise coordination and robust safety management. Downwell deployed specialist plant for efficient structural removal, aligned all processes with SCS’s waste and sustainability protocols, and maintained close communication with SCS and HS2 stakeholders to ensure controlled, uninterrupted progress.

Outcome

Completion of Phase 1 provides essential groundwork for the next stages of HS2 around Euston, enhancing site readiness for upcoming construction activities. The works demonstrate Downwell’s capability to deliver technically demanding infrastructure projects in complex and high‑profile environments while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance and operational delivery.

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