From an early stage, parties that were somehow related to the route were involved in the decision process for the HSL. With municipalities, provinces, district water boards, neighbouring residents and special interest groups, a range of subjects was discussed, including harmonising the railway line with its surroundings, recovery of nature and environmental compensation, and reduction of noise hindrance.

Residents living in the vicinity of the HSL played an important role before the commencement of the project and certainly also during construction. In many municipalities along the high-speed line, feedback groups are active. In these groups are represented residents, the project organization, contractors, the relevant municipality and sometimes special interest groups. Limitation of hindrance resulting from the construction and mutual information exchange are the main objectives of the consultations. In an atmosphere all parties involved work together to find the best solution.

Both during the construction of the HSL and in the operational phase, when the high speed trains will actually be riding on the HSL, safety is an absolute priority. For this reason, the construction sites are properly screened off during construction, and wherever possible, construction traffic travels on purpose-built roads instead of public roads.