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The second of today’s #whyHS2 threads looks at the Great Central Main Line (often referred to as the GCR), and suggestions that reopening this railway would be a better alternative to HS2.
This simply isn’t correct. By comparing the two alignments, you can see why…
This simply isn’t correct. By comparing the two alignments, you can see why…
On opening, HS2 Phase 1 will relieve the WCML south of Birmingham. HS2 Phase 2A will further relieve the WCML northwards to Crewe.
HS2’s full potential is unlocked when Phase 2B opens to Manchester and Leeds, freeing up space on the WCML, MML, ECML and XC route.
HS2’s full potential is unlocked when Phase 2B opens to Manchester and Leeds, freeing up space on the WCML, MML, ECML and XC route.
To understand exactly how HS2 achieves this capacity release, see our earlier #whyHS2 thread:
If the GCML realignment was to be reinstated, not only would this not provide a station at Birmingham, but the reduced speed of the curvy alignment would also mean that the “new” line would only relieve the MML between London and Sheffield... #whyHS2
You’d have to build other lines to relieve the WCML, ECML and XC route, which would take more time, more money and (most crucially) more engineers... #whyHS2
HS2 is the quickest, cheapest and least disruptive way to provide a step-change in capacity on our EXISTING railway network.
This will enable modal shift for people and things away from Britain's roads, allowing us to greatly reduce our GHG emissions.
This will enable modal shift for people and things away from Britain's roads, allowing us to greatly reduce our GHG emissions.
As an addendum, we sometimes get asked "who are you" or "who funds you" - we are a small, not-for-dividend consultancy managed by @GarethDennis and supported by several transport specialists based around the UK.
Read more here:
permanentrail.co.uk/about/
Read more here:
permanentrail.co.uk/about/
