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Simon Hope   13/12/2012 at 10:26

The Go-HS2 proposals for seemless Interchange at the new Curzon Street station are vital for the success of this project. However, perhaps the most practical solution for solving most Interchange problems is to build four outer platforms adjoining a re -aligned WCML. These could be used both by the new classic-compatible, and conventional trains to regional destinations, thus avoiding an increasingly congested New Street station.

Chris Mly   15/12/2012 at 00:36

This project to build platforms on the existing lines at Curzon St would be much smaller in scope than those at Reading or Euston. Most importantly it would reduce the footfall at New St considerably (as well as offering a much better link with the lines serving Moor St) and give another, much better option for changing trains in Birmingham. We are looking at widening the existing viaduct by 20-25 metres to the North of the Stetchford tracks. The station would butt right up against the HS2 station, adding 3 island platforms (with two extra tracks). Viaduct widening could be done one third at a time to avoid the need for prolonged track closures. An overnight possession of one pair of tracks would allow them to be slewed over, there is no reason for the entire railway to ever close. It is clear the Eastside area around the HS2 will develop very quickly as a destination in it's own right. It would be crazy for so many trains to continue to trundle past this important site at low speed without serving it. I suspect a station at this point will become essential at some point in the future, it might as well be done at the same time the HS2 station is built so as to allow a proper interchange from day 1. A tram extension is of no practical use for people transferring from classic rail to HS2 or vice versa. The elevation of the existing viaduct allows 250m long platforms to be built with the Western ends situated at the Fazeley St bridge where the 4 tracks dip down into New St tunnel. It would be on a gentle curve which isn't ideal but derogations are possible - look at the extensions of Farringdon's Thameslink platforms as to what kind of thing is allowable when necessary.

Nonsuchmike   27/09/2013 at 16:52

Chris knows his Brum and his railways. I had always envisaged a travellator style arrangement (like they have at the outlying pods of Gatwick Airport) between the new HS2 terminal @ Curzon Street, Snow Hill, New Street and Moor Street rather than a tram, although a tram linkage as well would be useful for the locals accessing from outer city areas.