Powerhouse - Fast Trains Set for 2033

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20 July 2017 | Updated 01 January 1970

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary has confirmed HS2 routes to the North-West, East Midlands and Yorkshire - claiming the decision is set to bring massive economic boost to the relevant city regions and a corresponding boost in property demand.

On July 17, Grayling said new connections between Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands will go ahead – with all of them being linked to London by the line.

Another benefit of HS2 is claimed that thousands of extra seats and additional services will be freed-up on local routes by new high speed train line. By providing new routes for intercity services, HS2 will free-up space on our existing lines for new commuter, regional and freight services, taking lorries off our roads.

New research shows the impact of HS2 could more than double rush hour seats from Manchester Piccadilly towards Stoke and Crewe; and from Leeds towards Wakefield. It could also almost double peak seats from London to Peterborough and east coast destinations further north.

Brum to Manchester

The move will also mean journeys from Birmingham to Manchester in 40 minutes – a trip that takes more than 80 minutes on services currently.

30 million people service

Grayling said: "Britain’s new railway line will bring huge economic benefits across the country and spread wealth beyond London and the south-east. As well as creating skilled jobs, apprenticeships and business opportunities, it will also mean real day-to-day improvements for people across the country. By building a whole new railway line for high-speed intercity connections, we will free up local services, meaning more comfort, more seats and more trains for passengers across the North and the Midlands."

David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Ltd said: "We have taken a huge step forward in connecting 8 of our largest cities, freeing up space on our railways and building a catalyst for growth. Once completed 30 million people will be served by HS2 across over 25 stations, helping to change the economic geography of the country."

Contract letting

The Transport Secretary also announced the decision to award the first stage of £6.6 billion worth of new contracts.

An upcoming bill for the section from the West Midlands to Crewe will effectively act as a planning application, with the line expected to open in 2027 if approved by Parliament.

The government has also asked HS2 Ltd to take forward the provision of a northern junction back on to HS2, which would support delivery of a city-centre to city-centre connection between Leeds-Sheffield in less than 30 minutes.

The scheme remains on track to open the link from London to Birmingham in 2026, the route to Crewe in 2027 and the routes to the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Manchester in 2033. Preparatory work on Phase One has already commenced, with major construction starting in 2018 to 2019.

Picture: The Northern Powerhouse might get its rail links by 2033

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 20 July 2017

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