HS3’s key connectivity
The route/connectivity of any “trans-Pennine” HS3 is now crucial. This is in relation to the proposed alternative HS2 route, with its Sheffield Midland variation.
I think HS3 should be via Woodhead, and be routed to the Mexborough-Conisbrough line at Denaby. The alignments would follow the numerous “transPennine trails”, which are often on (or near) closed ex-GCR/LNER/BR rail routes.
I suggest it passes via Penistone, to the previous freight-only “Worsbrough Branch”. A three-way junction would be needed in the Swaithe/Wombwell area, south of Barnsley.
The main route would continue eastwards towards Wath. It would cross the existing railway between Swinton and Bolton-upon-Dearne, but have a southbound connection to the proposed HS2 alternative route. A final junction at Denaby provides connectivity to Doncaster/ Scunthorpe/Grimsby/Hull.
Two branches would diverge at Swaithe - one northwards to Leeds, which would take up the alignment of the original proposed HS2 route. A junction (south of Hemsworth) to the new alternative route is also required.
A second branch, southwards at Swaithe for Sheffield, would also take the alignment of the original HS2 route towards Meadowhall, but HS3 services would return to the ex-MR “Barnsley Branch” in the Ecclesfield area.
I suggest that there should be a further link at Swaithe for fast Sheffield-Leeds trains. This would remove the need for any new connection beyond Thurnscoe to the proposed alternative route.
The exact location of Park and Ride Stations is difficult. I propose one on HS2 in the Mexborough area and one on HS3 at Worsborough for the Barnsley area.
I am aware that digitalisation of signalling may allow improved capacity, but quite sure that my proposals require two extra tracks throughout from Dore and Totley to Meadowhall.
The Hope Valley route would retain local services and a few express services from Sheffield to serve Dore/Grindleford to Manchester. It would also include Kettering/Leicester/Derby/ Chesterfield-Manchester services routed via Dore tunnel curve, to improve East Midlands-North West connectivity. David Wrottesley, Sheffield