HS2 moves one step closer to construction

Parliament instructed the High Speed 2 Select Committee to review over 120 changes to the HS2 hybrid bill as an outcome from stakeholder management.

Changes have been advised as a result of discussions between communities alongside the London-Birmingham route and HS2 Ltd to ensure that the railway is designed to suit all parties. 

Some of the amendments include:

• The route near Lichfield will pass under the A38, West Coast Main Line and South Staffordshire line to avoid crossings over the Trent and Mersey Canal which was a cause for concern for local stakeholders including the Canal and Rovers Trust. 
• Proposing that the relocation of the Heathrow Express depot is moved to Langley instead of the North Pole east depot site. 
• To facilitate future connections between Crossrail and West Coast Main Line, sidings are to be constructed to the west of Old Oak Common station. 
• Construction of a bypass for Chipping Warden in Northamptonshire which will benefit parents and pupils at a local primary school.

Robert Goodwill, transport minister said: “This motion is a major step forward both in terms of getting HS2 through Parliament and getting this vital railway built. 

“The changes to the bill show the government is listening to communities along the HS2 route. By working together, we can ensure this vital railway is designed in the right way, so we have spades in the ground in 2017 as planned.”

The motion will be debated in Parliament with the amendments being open to anyone to petition against. Members of the public will be able to voice their opinion when the consultation period begins.

HS2 will support growth in the north by generating jobs, enhancing local skills, promoting regeneration and improving connectivity and the hybrid bill remains on track to achieve Royal Assent by the end of 2016.