New report published that would cut cost of HS2 by £1Bn

A new report by David Higgins recommends new HS2 plans that could cut the cost of HS2 by £1Bn and cut journey times.

David Higgins has today published a report that proposes HS2 services in South Yorkshire, between London and Sheffield, travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line, taking a spur off the new north-south speed line.

These trains could potentially call at Chesterfield, with the future option of HS2 services extending to Meadowhall station, Rotherham or Barnsley.

A city centre station solution for Sheffield high speed services would allow the main HS2 line to be built east of the previously proposed route, through less densely populated areas that would avoid the complexities of building a line via Meadowhall.

The newly proposed route would cut the cost of the project by around £1Bn.

The possibility of a parkway station on the newly proposed route is always being investigated, which in part follows the M18 motorway.

Announcing his proposals HS2 Ltd Chairman, David Higgins said: “Projects of HS2’s size, scale and significance should seek to provide the maximum benefit for the people they serve.

“I have listened to the very constructive comments and discussions that have taken place on how HS2 should best serve South Yorkshire and recommend the option of HS2 services using the existing city centre station.

“Decisions of this scale sometimes involve compromise, and through dialogue I believe we have reached the best solution for South Yorkshire.”

Welcoming the alternative plans Chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP Sir Nigel Knowles said: “HS2 is a vital investment in the Sheffield City Region’s future. I am delighted that we have had the time to work constructively to ensure the city region could be best served by Britain’s new high speed rail network, which we expect to include trains calling at Chesterfield in the south of the city region, a parkway station as well as the line into the centre of Sheffield.

“Connectivity with the rest of the UK is a major factor in achieving our growth plans. Of equal importance is the inter-connectivity within the North, via HS3, and we look forward to working with the government and other partners to bring that into fruition as quickly as possible.

“So I welcome David Higgins’ report and look forward to the Secretary of State’s decision in due course.”

The proposal of using Sheffield Midland station also opens up the possibility of running high speed trains from Sheffield to Leeds by building a link back onto the HS2 line north of Sheffield, which could deliver Transport for North’s ambition for a frequent 30 minute journey time between Leeds and Sheffield.

The report by David Higgins will be considered by the Secretary of State for Transport and make an announcement on the full HS2 Phase 2 route later this year.

 

If you would like to read more articles like this then please click here

The post New report published that would cut cost of HS2 by £1Bn appeared first on UK Construction Online.