17.07.17
Grayling confirms HS2 phase 2 route
The route that HS2 will take from Birmingham and onto Manchester and the north as part of phases 2a and 2b has today been confirmed by DfT.
It has been revealed that Phase 2b will run towards the East Midlands Hub, then on to Chesterfield and Leeds, before joining on to the existing network to York.
Phase 2a will also connect Birmingham Curzon to Crewe, before the new high-speed line takes trains to Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington separately.
The announcement also finally confirmed that the route plans to serve the station in Sheffield city centre, despite the government suggesting earlier this year that an HS2 connection at Sheffield Meadowhall was still on the table. This key decision was what initially delayed the process of defining a phase 2 route late last year, with several alterations having been put out for further consultation amid local controversy.
The new line is expected to double capacity on some rush hour services and massively boost the economies of the north and the midlands.
Today’s announcement will also mean that journeys from Birmingham to Manchester will be cut in half from 80 to 40 minutes. The government has also asked HS2 Ltd to take forward the provision of a northern junction back on to the high-speed line, which could help deliver a connection between Leeds and Sheffield city centres in less than 30 minutes as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
And new plans for Crewe could also see the creation of a new hub station in the area and potential HS2 services to Stoke.
“Britain’s new railway line will bring huge economic benefits across the country and help ensure this government delivers on its promise to spread wealth beyond London and the south-east,” said transport secretary Chris Grayling.
“But as well as creating skilled jobs, apprenticeships and business opportunities, it will also mean real day-to-day improvements for people across the country.”
He added that by building a whole new railway line for high-speed intercity connections, the government will free up local services, resulting in more comfort, more seats and more trains for passengers across the north and the Midlands.
“We will now press ahead with building the line, while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect,” he concluded.
Homeowners on the Shimmer estate in Mexborough, South Yorkshire that are affected by the new line will be able to secure a “comparable local home”.
David Higgins, chairman of HS2 Ltd, added: “Today we have taken a huge step forward in connecting eight of our largest cities, freeing up space on our railways and building a catalyst for growth across the country.
“Once completed 30 million people will be served by HS2 across over 25 stations, helping to change the economic geography of the country, and bring prosperity to the midlands, the north, and beyond.”
HS2 Ltd has uploaded detailed maps for phases 2a and 2b online.
The official unveiling of the northern leg of the project comes on the same day as two other major announcements for the future of high-speed rail in the UK: construction contracts worth £6.6bn were awarded to a number of companies, and the shortlists for the designers and engineers who will deliver three brand new stations and majorly expand London Euston.
HS2 Ltd also confirmed today that it remains on track to open the link from London to Birmingham in 2026, the route to Crewe in 2027 and the routes to the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Manchester in 2033. Preparatory work has already kicked off for Phase 1 and construction is due to start in 2018-19.
Top Image: David Mirzoeff PA Wire
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