HS2 link between Birmingham and Crewe to open six years early

Chancellor George Osborne has said that the HS2 link between Birmingham and Crewe will be opened six years earlier than planned.

The link will now open in 2027, only a year after the first phase from London to Birmingham becomes operational.

The Chancellor has been pushing improved transport links between the north and south as a key factor in proving a balance on regional economies and vital to his vision of the Northern Powerhouse.

Once complete, journey times from Crewe to London will be reduced by 45 minutes; Manchester to London by 40 minutes and Glasgow to London will see times cut by 48 minutes.

Chancellor George Osborne said: “In my Spending Review we committed to the biggest rise in transport spending in a generation meaning that major projects like the construction of HS2, to link the Northern Powerhouse to the South, can begin.

“Bringing forward this part of the HS2 route by six years is a massive step in the right direction for the Northern Powerhouse where high speed rail will play a big role in connecting up the entire region with the rest of the country.”

Mr Osborne has also announced that John Cridland, the former head of the CBI, will chair Transport for the North.

The Chancellor commented: ““It’s fantastic to announce someone of the calibre of John Cridland to take on the important role of chairing Transport for the North. He will bring huge knowledge and experience to this position and I want to say thank you to Sir Richard Leese for the great job he has done in an interim capacity.

I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver our shared aim of a world class transport system for the north.”

The Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said the move was a “significant milestone” for the project. He commented: “By accelerating the second phase between Birmingham and Crewe, we will bring the capacity, connectivity and regeneration benefits of HS2 to the North-West and Scotland years earlier than originally planned.”

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