More locals to get HS2 link to north

THE parliamentary Bill to build the HS2 line from Crewe to Manchester has been welcomed by the West Midland Rail Executive (WMRE).

The bill, which was introduced on Monday, represents a significant step in the construction of the high speed line.

The Phase 2b extension from Crewe to Manchester will halve journey times between Birmingham and Manchester to just 41 minutes.

The Government has confirmed there will be a new Crewe northern connection included in the bill. It means passengers from towns such as Hereford, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stoke, Wolverhampton, Lichfield, Tamworth, Nuneaton and Rugby can connect at Crewe with northbound HS2 services to the North West and Scotland.

Malcolm Holmes, executive director for WMRE, said: “The parliamentary bill to extend HS2 to Manchester is fantastic news for the West Midlands and something we’ve been consistently lobbying for. It will bring a significant change in connectivity between our region and the North West.

“I would, however, urge the Government to accelerate the delivery of the HS2 lines to the North West and East Midlands. The West Midlands really needs the full economic and connectivity benefits of HS2 sooner rather than later.”

Construction of Phase 1 of HS2 between the West Midlands and London is now well under way. Building of the central Birmingham Station at Curzon Street is making good progress and the contract for a new HS2 interchange station in Solihull, which will be linked to Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre, is expected to be confirmed shortly.