08.01.14
Liverpool could benefit before HS2 – Lord Deighton
The HS2 Growth Taskforce is meeting key figures in Liverpool today, setting out how the area can prepare its infrastructure to make the most out of high speed rail.
Services from Liverpool can join the high speed line at Crewe, reducing journey times to London from 2hrs 8m to 1hr 50m from 2026 and to 1hr 36m by 2033. Travel to Birmingham will also be cut from 1hr 42m to 1hr 10m.
The taskforce has urged cities and towns not on the direct path of HS2 to act now to be ready for the new line when it is built.
From Liverpool, the commercial secretary to the Treasury and Chair of theHS2 Growth Taskforce Lord Deighton said: “For centuries Liverpool and the North West has built thriving trade and industry by pioneering new infrastructure such as the railways, ferries and the skyscraper. Now, investments such as the Super Port are cementing the region’s place as a trade hub and the link to HS2 at Crewe will be vital to supporting the north west as it grows, providing better connections to cities around the UK and freeing up vital capacity on the current line.
“An estimated 70% of jobs from HS2 are expected to be outside London and the Growth Taskforce is determined to see the benefits of HS2 stretch far and wide. Growth and regeneration will not just be handed on a plate, but by planning ahead and thinking big, Liverpool could benefit long before the first HS2 train arrives.”
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