HS2 routes for North West and Yorkshire confirmed

The government has confirmed the new route for the high-speed HS2 rail line from Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to Leeds.

Although, no final decision has been made yet on the location of the new station in Sheffield.

It was suggested by Ministers that HS2 could serve the existing Sheffield city centre station but controversially would mean the demolition of a new housing estate in Mexborough.

The western leg of scheme will see high-speed trains continue north from Crewe to Manchester Airport, then onto Manchester city centre, which will see new HS2 station built next to Manchester Piccadilly.

There will also be a connection to Liverpool and to the existing West Coast main line allowing HS2 services to continue north, serving stations to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The eastern leg continue from the West Midlands to Toton in the East Midlands, where a new HS2 station will be built to serve Nottingham, Derby and the wider region.

From the East Midlands, the route will continue north to South Yorkshire with Sheffield station to follow Sir David Higgins’ recommendation of a connection to the existing station.

The main route will be relocated further east and consultations held before a final decision is reached next year.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called the project as “ambitious” and “exciting”. He said: “The government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century; one that works for all and makes clear to the world that Britain remains open for business.

He described the HS2 route as a “game-changer” for the country that reduce journey times and provide passengers with thousands of extra seats every day.

Mr Grayling said: “They represent the greatest upgrade to our railway in living memory.

There will be seven significant changes to the original route that will undergo further consultation, which are expected to create controversy for affected residents.

The Transport Secretary acknowledged these issues, commenting: “While it will bring significant benefits, I recognise the difficulties faced by communities along the route. They will be treated with fairness, compassion and respect and, as with Phase One, we intend to introduce further compensation which goes over and above what is required by law.”

The first phase is due to open in December 2026 with high-speed trains travelling between London and Birmingham before continuing on the existing West Coast Main Line.

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