Government backs plans to speed up HS2

Government backs plans to speed up HS2

Government and the construction industry generally have given strong support to High Speed 2 (HS2) chairman Sir David Higgins’ proposal to accelerate Phase Two of the £50Bn project and deliver the benefits sooner than originally planned.

Other key proposals in a report on the project by Sir David are for a more comprehensive redevelopment of London’s Euston Station which Sir David said is ‘a mess’ and to scrap the proposed £700 million link between HS1 and HS2.

In response to Sir David’s report Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin backed all of Sir David’s key recommendations. He said the Department for Transport’s priority must be to get the benefits to the midlands and the north as soon as possible.

Sir David claimed that this could be done by taking the line 43 miles further north than planned in Phase One to a new transport hub at Crewe which could be completed by 2027, six years earlier than planned.

Mr McLoughlin said “Our proposals must stand the test of time and we must put our money where it will do the most good.”

CBI Chief Policy Director Katja Hall said: “HS2 will connect eight of our ten largest cities and boost local economies along the route, and the proposed interchange at Crewe is particularly good news for the north.”

Si David included a number of other proposals in his report, including that the current proposed HS1/HS2 link is: “sub-optimal and should be reconsidered.” Mr McLoughlin agreed, saying: “The link requires too many compromises in terms of impacts on freight, passengers and the community in Camden. I, therefore, intend to take the necessary steps to remove the link from the Bill.”

“I will also commission a study into ways to improve connections to the continent that could be implemented once the initial stages of HS2 are complete,” he added.

Sir David also concluded that Government should look at a more comprehensive redevelopment of Euston station and that on Phase Two HS2 should be fully integrated into regeneration plans by local authorities across the north.

Mr McLoughlin said Euston represents a significant opportunity to maximise the economic potential of the line, regenerate a site that has been neglected and generate private sector investment.

Please rate

Comments 

Name
Email
  Ctrl + Enter

Most Read

Network Rail tenders £1.7bn minor works contract

Network Rail tenders £1.7bn minor works contract

Network Rail Southern Region is seeking 16 contractors for a new minor works framework.   The minor works buildings and civils framework (MWF-B&C) is divided into nine lots for unplanned, planned and cyclical maintenance works.   The £1.7bn framework is designed to align

Contractor signed for the construction of a £9m new Trent bridge

Contractor signed for the construction of a £9m new Trent bridge

A bridge is being built to connect pedestrians and cyclists in the Lady Bay area south of the river with the Trent Basin waterside housing estate on the north side of the river, close to Nottingham city centre.   It will be the first new crossing of the Trent in the city for 65 years.

Women in Rail Conference marks end of 10th anniversary celebrations

Women in Rail Conference marks end of 10th anniversary celebrations

Women in Rail (WR) marked the end of its 10th anniversary celebrations with its annual Conference on Thursday 2nd March 2023.   The hybrid event, hosted by London law firm Stephenson Harwood, brought together 120 in-person attendees and a virtual audience of almost 100. Tickets had sold out

This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of these cookies. See our Cookie Policy.