25.01.13
HS2 route to Leeds and Manchester expected Monday
The detailed route for the second phase of HS2 could be announced as early as Monday, it is understood.
Phase 1 covers London to the West Midlands, while Phase 2 forms the 'Y-shaped' network north, with one spur to Manchester and the other through the East Midlands and South Yorkshire up to Leeds.
Speculation around the route has also indicated that the trains could travel through a large tunnel beneath East Midlands Airport. The branch to Leeds could pass through the East Midlands, Leicestershire and run between Derby and Nottingham, Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton has suggested.
The line could enter the tunnel at Diseworth, he added.
A spokeswoman for East Midlands Airport said: “We have not been informed of anything relating to the route of HS2. Like everybody else, we are awaiting the official announcement of the detailed route.”
The indicative route is pictured below (source: HS2 Ltd). But a spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “We cannot confirm any specific details of the proposed HS2 route at this stage. An official announcement on the route will be made very soon.”
HS2 Ltd told RTM it could not confirm the time of publication of the routes, but numerous reports indicate next week is likely, and those saying Monday include rail journalist and commentator Christian Wolmar.
A consultation on the property compensation proposals for the first phase of HS2, London-Birmingham, finishes at the end of this month.
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