Higgins calls for east-west ‘HS3’

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Improving east-west links by constructing the so-called ‘HS3’ trans-Pennine rail link is one of several recommendations put forward in a new report by HS2 chairman David Higgins.

Presenting his second report as chairman, ‘Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’, Higgins said that journey times across the north of England could be almost halved by a new east-west link between Manchester and Leeds.

Higgins believes that east-west improvements are “not only desirable, but possible” and would be as important to the North as Crossrail will be to London.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “passionate” about high-speed rail.

He estimated that the line could cost around £6-7 billion to construct, adding: “I think it’s really important for our country that we make high-speed rail work for Britain as it has for other countries.”

Higgins made a clear statement about the need to move forward with Phase Two of the project, stating that the true benefits of HS2 could not be realised without the northern Y-shaped network and that alternative infrastructure improvements could not deliver the necessary capacity or economic gains.

In order to ensure the HS3 link becomes part of a joined up rail strategy for the region, the report also recommended the creation of a Transport for the North authority.

The report concludes that the line should be extended to Crewe by 2027 – six years earlier than the original timetable. It also pointed to a need to further review the location of high-speed rail stations in Leeds and the East Midlands.

In the report, David Higgins said: “Improving connectivity is vital if Britain is to compete in the knowledge economy in which this country has a competitive advantage, but in which ease of travel is an essential element.

“Knowledge-based companies whether they are in high-tech manufacturing, the creative industries, finance or the law, have to be close, or feel close to the talent, skills base, support network, knowledge pools, collaborators and clients necessary to create the “hot-house atmosphere”  in which they thrive. That is why reducing the journey times between and within our cities isn’t just desirable for both passengers and freight. It is a strategic necessity.”

130625_Sketch_Toton
Artist impression of proposed HS2 station at Toton.

In August, a report produced by an alliance of northern city councils argued in favour of creating a new trans-Pennine route. Despite being dubbed HS3, the proposed line, which would require some tunnelling, would only be capable of supporting speeds up to 125 mph.

As well as providing faster passenger services across the North, the report suggests that, like Eurotunnel, the trans-Pennine tunnel could include freight terminals at either end, creating a drive-on facility for road freight.

Higgins has also responded to concerns from stakeholders by recommending that HS2 links Phase One with the West Coast main line via Handsacre link.

Looking at comparisons with international high-speed rail projects, Higgins said that HS2 could learn lessons from the €7 billion Tours-Bordeaux high-speed line which is set to be commissioned in 2017.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) director general Nick Baveystock said: “This report tackles the perception that HS2 is a project being developed in isolation, and re-positions it as an integral part of a wider transport system which carries the potential to spread growth right across the country – this is a much needed and welcome shift in the debate.

“Higgins’ aspiration to accelerate the delivery of HS2 is also positive news, as greater continuity between the two project phases could result in cost savings and would positively impact on the UK’s engineering skills base.”

The report has now been submitted to Parliament and a detailed plan for the Phase Two route is expected in 2015.

Cameron added: “HS2 is not always popular but I profoundly believe that it’s right.”

5 COMMENTS

  1. I accept that, at the present time, HS3 is only a concept with no firm plans or route. However, it is meant as a future stimulant for the whole of the Northern economy but to make this happen, Higgins and the Government have to promise more than just a new East-West line between Manchester and Leeds. If it goes ahead, HS3 must be extended to Liverpool and Hull plus a link on to HS2 at Leeds for faster services from the North West to Sheffield. Even a future HS4 up to Newcastle and Scotland is a must! Failure to include high speed links to all parts of the North, will result in some cities such as Manchester and Leeds flourishing but with other areas becoming “also-rans”.

  2. HS3 may not happen till 2030-onwards. HS2 is in planning to be built from 2020-onwards. HS2 would make journeys less longer with frequent high speed services to/from London Euston (proposed London Euston International/London Central) to Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and to Scotland.

  3. Higgins didn’t call mention “HS3” but a much more balanced package of road and rail improvements, and the HS3 being used in infantile fashion by politicians (who aren’t committing to anything anytime soon) isn’t even “HS”. I can understand the tabloids have to write in simple soundbites but the trade press could do better!

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