The Government has today announced the go-ahead for High Speed 2. Whilst there may be some changes from the original proposals, the main elements of the scheme have been approved. Construction of Phase 1 from London to the West Midlands is now due to start in April.
Cllr Trevor Roberts, Chairman of West Coast Rail 250 said “We welcome the green light for High Speed 2. As well as boosting the economy of the cities that it will serve, the new railway line will free-up capacity on the heavily used West Coast Main Line. This will enable new local and regional services and new city to city connections to be made once the new line opens. We welcome the opportunity to work with Government to use HS2 as a catalyst for improved services on the entire West Coast Main Line route”.
The Government also announced that a new Minister would be appointed to oversee the project.
The Oakervee Review into High Speed 2 has also been published.