Latest Rail News

15.07.13

Network Rail reiterates need for HS2

The CBI’s director general has suggested the billions of pounds earmarked for HS2 would be better spent on the West Coast Main Line – but Network Rail has rejected that argument.

In response to John Cridland’s suggestion to the Treasury select committee that the recent £10bn increase in the likely cost of building HS2 made it the wrong priority for investment, Network Rail said: “Unprecedented growth in the last 10 years has seen passenger journeys grow by 50% to almost 1.5 billion a year and that number is set to continue to grow.

“Without HS2, the West Coast Mainline – our busiest and most economically important line – will be full in a little over a decade.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has suggested the ultimate cost of HS2 could reach £70bn.

(West Coast Main Line image copyright Alvey & Towers)

Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected] 

Comments

Mikeb   15/07/2013 at 20:24

Whilst supporting HS2 as a long-term development, I have to partly agree with the CBI Director General. The West Coast Main Line does need further investment, particularly north of Crewe which should have four tracks between Winsford and Hartford and then Acton Bridge to Weaver Junction. There could also be future requirement for additional quadrupling between Wigan and Preston.

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