Secretary of State for Transport has set out the latest detail on HS2.
The Phase 2a High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Bill seeks the powers to construct HS2 from the West Midlands to Crewe so that this important section, which links up to the West Coast Main Line just south of Crewe, can open in 2027.
The design of the route is largely as announced in 2015. However, there are 3 refinements, following consultation last year. The connection to the West Coast Main Line and the start of a tunnel in Crewe will be moved further south. The construction railhead, and subsequently the infrastructure maintenance facility for this part of HS2,will be moved from the Basford area near Crewe to a location near Stone
On the outstanding sections of the Phase 2b route to Manchester and Leeds, the western leg rolling stock depot will move from a site near Golborne to a site north of Crewe. That site will be included in the full environmental assessment being undertaken for the whole route.