HS2: Phase one of high-speed rail line gets go-ahead [BBC News]
Date: 10/01/2012
A controversial new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham has been given the go-ahead by government. This first phase of High Speed Two (HS2) could be running by 2026, later extending to northern England. Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced extra tunnelling along the 90-mile (140km) first phase in response to environmental concerns. Opponents also dispute government claims HS2 will deliver benefits worth up to £47bn, at costs of about £33bn. The first phase of the project would cut London-Birmingham journey times, on 225mph trains, to 49 minutes, Ms Greening said. Continue reading the main story Department for Transport detailed maps Q&A: High-speed rail Link to unleash 'held back' city Village's mixed views on HS2 line This would be followed by a second phase of Y-shaped track reaching Manchester and Leeds by about 2033. Connections to existing lines should then cut journey times between London, and Edinburgh and Glasgow, to three-and-a-half hours.
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A controversial new high-speed rail network - High Speed Two (HS2) - is given the go-ahead by the government despite strong opposition.
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