Lower impact proposals for High Speed lines

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Changes to both the horizontal and vertical alignment of the core London-Birmingham high speed line will “significantly mitigate” its impact on nearby communities, according to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. Plans published by HS2, the company set up by the previous government to develop proposals for a new network, reveal around 50% of the preferred route published in March has been altered. Public consultation is expected to begin in February.

It was also announced that a connection will be made to HS1 as part of the initial construction phase, allowing through traffic to the continent via the Channel Tunnel. This will involve a single line from Old Oak Common, heading east in a new tunnel to the North London Line near Chalk Farm where one track would be upgraded to GC gauge, then onto the HS1 tunnel portal via an existing connection.

The core route’s revised alignment, detailed in 31 map sections, sees significant changes in north London, with the Primrose Hill tunnels moved further north, and at Northolt where a new viaduct will carry the Chiltern Lines over HS2. The Delta junction with the West Coast Main Line near Lichfield will involve a tighter curve to avoid the village of Streethay but this will create a section using minimum geometrical standards, leading to more night-time maintenance and slightly slower speeds.

Between Amersham and Wendover, a cut-and-cover section has been incorporated to reduce the route’s visual impact and avoid severing rights of way. Moving the alignment will ensure it is not visible from the historic Hartwell House whilst additional earthworks and planting are planned to further soften its presence.

The northern arms of the final Y-shaped network, reaching Manchester and Leeds, will be built as part of a second stage, together with a spur to Heathrow Airport running alongside the M25 for part of its length. Provision for this, and its possible extension to form a loop, is included at three locations between London and the Chiltern Tunnel portal.

In the meantime, an interchange at Old Oak Common will allow connections to both Heathrow Express and Crossrail services. Revised proposals for the station could see it act as a ‘gathering point’ for HS2 passengers, where they could join international services.

“To deliver economic growth and carbon reduction we must provide attractive alternatives to short-haul aviation” insisted Mr Hammond, “while addressing the issue of scarce rail capacity between the city centres. Network Rail has calculated that, by 2024, the West Coast Main Line will effectively be full, with no further enhancements that could reasonably be made to meet future demand.”

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