HS2 now stopping at Man Picc & Man Airport
Latest timetable and route revealed for HS2 to Manchester
The Government has set out its preferred route for HS2 from Crewe, stopping at Manchester Airport and Piccadilly where a new station will be built. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said this is a major step towards significantly increasing capacity on our congested railways for both passengers and freight; improving connections between the biggest cities and regions; generating jobs, skills and economic growth and helping build an economy that works for all. The new HS2 trains will carry over 300,000 people a day and will triple seats available out of Euston at peak hours, freeing up space on the existing network for additional commuter and freight services. HS2 will create around 25,000 jobs during construction as well as 2,000 apprenticeships. It will also support growth in the wider economy, worth an additional 100,000 jobs.
As the full network is completed, new trains will continue up the West Coast Main Line through Warrington and Wigan.
Chris Grayling said: "HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and 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.
"The full HS2 route will be a game-changer for the country that will slash journey times and perhaps most importantly give rail passengers on the existing network thousands of extra seats every day. They represent the greatest upgrade to our railway in living memory."
There are seven refinements on which Department for Transport is consulting. These are to move the previously proposed Rolling Stock Depot at Golborne to a site north of Crewe; to move the approach to Manchester Piccadilly up to 370 metres eastwards with the northern tunnel portal in Ardwick, to avoid direct impacts on residential properties and a school at West Gorton; and to move the route in the Middlewich - Northwich area in Cheshire up to 800 metres westwards.
The line is expected to be completed and ready to roll in 2033.
PL