New rail link proposed as cheaper alternative to HS2
Proposed rail line promises 85% of HS2 benefits at reduced cost
A new proposal to construct a 50-mile railway line as a cheaper but slower alternative to a scrapped HS2 section has been revealed. A report indicates that the journey between London and Manchester on this new line would be only 15 minutes longer than the original HS2 plans and 30 minutes shorter than current travel times. The consortium behind the proposal claims the new line could deliver “roughly 85% of the benefits of HS2 Phase 2” at 60-75% of the cost.
The mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands commissioned the report, which highlights the need for a new rail link between the Midlands and the North West to boost capacity for both passengers and freight. This comes nearly a year after the then-prime minister, Rishi Sunak, cancelled the HS2 extension between the West Midlands and Manchester due to escalating costs.
A coalition of private sector organisations, led by former HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins, described the proposed line between Lichfield, Staffordshire, and High Legh, Cheshire, which would link with the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail, as a “golden opportunity.”
New railway line proposed linking the Midlands and the North West
But is this just second place prize after the scrapping of HS2?
Details here…👇🏼 @itvcentral https://t.co/J0iNeAzJz5
— Lewis Warner (@LewisJWarner) September 13, 2024
This new rail link would connect Manchester and Birmingham. While the report does not give an estimated cost, it suggests maximising private sector financing, with central and local governments funding the remainder. Cost savings would come from designing tracks for lower speeds and using simplified connections with the existing rail network. Additionally, ballasted track, which uses a layer of crushed rock and gravel to support the rails, would be employed instead of the more expensive slab track used for HS2.
The report claims the new plan would “save the taxpayer £2 billion on costs” from the HS2 Phase 2 cancellation by reusing much of the land, powers, and design work already secured through public funds. The consortium recommends that the government keep ownership of land acquired for HS2 Phase 2a between the West Midlands and Crewe.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham stressed the urgency of addressing rail capacity and connectivity between the North and the Midlands, warning that failing to act could make the West Coast Main Line and M6 significant barriers to economic growth. He noted that the new plan offers a viable alternative to reviving HS2, delivering almost all of its benefits at a significantly lower cost.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker emphasised the importance of additional rail capacity to and from the North for the region, highlighting the broader benefits of connecting people, communities, and businesses to jobs and opportunities. He expressed his commitment to working with the Government to ensure the new rail line becomes a reality.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Belamoda reports that plans to build a cheaper rail line alternative to the abandoned northern section of HS2 have been revealed, with journeys taking just 15 minutes longer.(read more)
- Wandsworth Guardian reports a new 50-mile railway line proposed as a slower, cheaper alternative to the scrapped HS2 section, linking Midlands and North West, with benefits from HS2 phase 2 at 60-75% of the cost.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the new railway proposal about?
A 50-mile railway line as a cheaper, slower alternative to a scrapped section of HS2.
How much time will the new line add to journeys between London and Manchester?
The new line would only add 15 minutes compared to the original HS2 plans.
What are the cost benefits of the new railway line?
It delivers 85% of HS2 Phase 2 benefits at 60-75% of the cost.
How will the new railway line impact existing travel times?
It will be 30 minutes quicker than current travel times between London and Manchester.
Why is additional rail capacity important for the West Midlands?
It’s vital for connecting people, communities, and businesses to jobs and opportunities.
