HS2 route confirmed

THE Government has confirmed that a new bridge will be built at Kegworth as part of the HS2 rail route.

The initial plan was for an underground tunnel just to the north of East Midlands Airport, however following a consultation this plan was scrapped.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed this week (Monday, July 17) the finalised route for the high speed railway with the first section of the line due to open in December 2026.

The original tunnel plan - which would have gone through the East Midlands Gateway Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, sited just to the north of East Midlands Airport and being developed by Roxhill Limited - has now been abandoned.

Instead, the HS2 route will now run to the south of the airport and the M1, with a crossing under the runway approach lights and a new crossing over the A6 in between Junction 24 of the M1 and Kegworth village.

A HS2 viaduct over the A453 at Ratcliffe Lane has also been confirmed along with a viaduct over The Green at Diseworth Brook flood plain.

Leicestershire County Council leader Coun Nick Rushton said: “I welcome the confirmation of the route. The publication brings certainty for residents, and minimising the impact on communities affected remains key. We’ll be carrying out detailed work to assess the effects and would welcome confirmation from HS2 that it will continue to engage with residents and businesses in Kegworth and Measham.”