HS2 consultation on connecting the line with Northern Powerhouse Rail

A consultation on changes to the proposed HS2 route to connect the line with Northern Powerhouse Rail closes in just two weeks.

High Speed 2 (HS2) is the proposed new high-speed railway directly connecting Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London, funded by taxpayers across the UK. HS2 is being designed to operate initially at 360 kilometres per hour, faster than any other train in the world.

Two new HS2 tracks to Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly are expected to create space for additional train paths on the corridors to Crewe and Stockport, providing options for more frequent local or regional services. 

Northern Powerhouse Rail is a proposed rail network which would link in with the West and East Coast main lines and HS2, providing wider connectivity to Scotland, Wales and the rest of England.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123087/northern-powerhouse-rail-set-to-deliver-decades-of-growth-for-the-north

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents approximately 190,000 businesses across the UK, is urging businesses to ‘make their voices heard’.

North West CBI Regional Director, Damian Waters said: “I would encourage businesses and communities to look at the information and get involved in the consultation. Your views matter and I’m urging businesses to make their voices heard.

“We, at the CBI firmly believe linking HS2 to the Northern Powerhouse Rail will help unlock the North West’s economic future.

“This new link will reap significant benefits as a result. High speed rail will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain’s economy; driving business growth, stimulating investment and creating jobs right across the country.”

The consultation closes at 11.45pm on 6 September 2019.

The online response form can be found here:

• assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/M2_combined_response_form_web.pdf

This consultation opened on 6 June, prior to the government announcing last week that an independent review into HS2 will take place.

The review, led by Douglas Oakervee, a retired engineer who briefly chaired HS2 Ltd, will inform the government’s decisions on next steps for the project. Limited, largely preparatory works, on the project will continue in parallel with the report’s work.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129887/government-announces-independent-review-into-hs2-programme