HS2 chairman encourages project to be fast forwarded

The HS2 chairman recent report has stated the scheme's benefits could be achieved six years ahead of current projections.

Sir David Higgins' report, HS2 Plus, outlines proposals to bring certain phase two goals over to phase one of the project, meaning that the line would run from London to Crewe by 2027, instead of running only to Birmingham by 2026. This would aim to improve connectivity in the North and rebalance the economy.

The report also contains proposals to overhaul Euston station, London's HS2 hub. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "More can be made of Euston station. It is a significant opportunity to maximise the economic potential of the line and regenerate a site that has been neglected."

Sir David has expressed doubts about plans to link HS1 and HS2, saying: "The HS2 platforms at Euston will be a short distance from those at HS1, and one stop on the Underground. That is the equivalent of transferring from one terminal to another at Heathrow. I believe the Government should, therefore, consider whether the cost – at around £700 million – is good value or whether it would be better to consider an alternative, which would deliver the benefits of a link without compromising existing services."

Some critics of the project have voiced concerns about the new report. A spokesman for HS2 Action Alliance said: "Bringing forward work will not be as simple as it sounds. Unless there are plans to circumnavigate the statute book, then a separate hybrid bill will have to be introduced."

READ THE REPORT
tinyurl.com/pgjgf7q