High Speed 2 is set to connect Birmingham with Crewe in Cheshire six years earlier than originally proposed under new plans announced this week.

 

Faster rail services will now reach Crewe in 2027, just one year after the London to Birmingham section is due to open and well ahead of the expected completion of Phase 2 to Manchester and Leeds in 2033. 

 

The route to Crewe – known as ‘Phase 2a’ – would cut journeys to and from London by 35 minutes.

 

“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,” said Chancellor George Osborne.

 

HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins added: “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.”

 

Institution of Civil Engineers director general Nick Baveystock welcomed the news and said: “We know from experience that greater continuity between the two phases of a project can create a positive impact on the UK’s engineering skills pipeline, as the workforce does not need to be retrained or stood down half way through.”

 

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has confirmed that powers to build Phase 2a will be sought through a separate Hybrid Bill to the one currently making its way through Parliament.

 

He added: “We continue to make good progress on our plans for the rest of HS2 Phase 2 serving Manchester, the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and Leeds and will make a decision on the route in autumn 2016.”

 

Following this week’s announcement architect Farrells has released its vision for a potential ‘Northern Gateway’ HS2 hub station at Crewe (pictured).

 

(Image: Farrells)