DfT confirms HS2 northern route

The Department for Transport has confirmed the route for the second phase of the HS2 high speed rail line between Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

The hybrid bill that acts as the planning application for Phase 2a was put before Parliament yesterday.

The government plans to deposit the hybrid bill for Phase 2b in Parliament in 2019 so that it can open in 2033.

The Phase 2 line will include a station in Sheffield city centre on a spur line, rather than the out-of-town Sheffield station that had also been considered. This means knocking down the newly built Shimmer housing estate in Mexborough to make way for the new line, which has proved controversial.

Phase 2a will extend the route to Crewe. Phase 2b will take it on to Manchester and Leeds.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The design of the route set out in the bill is largely as announced in 2015. However, there are three refinements I have decided to make, following consultation last year.

“I have decided to move the connection to the West Coast Main Line and the start of a tunnel in Crewe further south. I have also decided to move the construction railhead, and subsequently the infrastructure maintenance facility for this part of HS2, from the Basford area near Crewe to a location near Stone.

“The new location near Stone is strategically located midway along the Phase 2a route, which means that it can support construction activities heading north and south simultaneously, offering significant programme and construction benefits. Of course, the site at Stone benefits from good transport links, with access to the M6 and the existing rail network right at that location.”

The government also announced the award of £6.6bn worth of civil engineering contracts for the Phase One route from London to Birmingham. Full details of the route can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-2b-route-decision

The government is also proposing a Crewe hub station and has opened consultation on this. See www.gov.uk/government/consultations/crewe-hub-options-for-building-on-existing-connectivity