News
HS2
TThe second, Y-shaped phase is due to be completed by about 2032-33
Journey times from London to Birmingham will be less than one hour.
Investment will provide jobs for those involved in building and running the new HS2
In an era of budget cuts, spending on train service is not the highest priority.
There are other alternatives such as increasing train length on existing routes.
The government has announced the route for the second phase of the high-speed rail line HS2, from Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to Leeds.
It does not include a final decision about where to locate a new station in or near Sheffield.
The announcement confirms ministers' commitment to push ahead with the controversial £56bn project, which they say will boost the economy.
Critics say HS2 is not needed and will spoil parts of the countryside.
The announcement removes much of the uncertainty over the project, except over where to site Sheffield's station - a decision on which is expected next year. The government's preferred option is for the main HS2 route to run east of Sheffield, with a separate spur to take passengers to Sheffield city centre.
This would cost around £1bn less than the alternative suggestions - which involved taking the main HS2 line airport through Sheffield city centre or to a new station at the Meadowhall shopping centre just outside Sheffield, near the M1.
Another spur will take HS2 to a new station at ManchesterThe first phase of the £56bn railway is due to open in December 2026, with trains to travel at high speed between London and Birmingham before continuing on the existing West Coast Main Line
THE GOOD
This would cost around £1bn less than the alternative suggestions - which involved taking the main HS2 line through Sheffield city centre or to a new station at the Meadowhall shopping centre just outside Sheffield, near the M1.
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RAIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE
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Now that the government has confirmed most of its chosen route, It will go through the parliamentary process.