Council leaders in West Yorkshire have warned of ‘grave consequences’ after it was reported that the leg of HS2 from the Midlands to Leeds could be axed.
The Financial Times said that as well as ending the eastern branch of the Y shape at Toton in the East Midlands, train speeds could also be cut by 40mph in an attempt to save more than £10bn, according to people close to the review led by former HS2 chairman Douglas Oakervee.
Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport lead, said: ‘There will be grave long term consequences for the economy of the North and East of the UK if the eastern leg of HS2 isn’t delivered in full. It would sacrifice the £600m of annual GDP growth forecast from better connections between Leeds and Birmingham alone while also putting at risk the expected 50,000 additional jobs HS2 would create in the Leeds City Region.
‘With trains between Leeds and Sheffield currently travelling at an average speed of 36mph, failure to deliver HS2 in full to Leeds while going ahead with a western leg providing services travelling at 250mph would condemn the North and East of the UK to second-class status.’
The FT said cutting train speeds from 250mph to 210mph would save about £8bn because cheaper track and trains could be used, according to ‘people close to the project’, and could also reduce the need for tunnelling.
The Government originally presented the benefits of the project, whose costs have risen well above its £56bn budget, in terms of journey time savings but has more recently described it as a project to add capacity to the rail network.
The FT said the review team is also exploring whether to scrap plans for an expensive track development into Euston station in central London and instead ending the line at a proposed new hub (at Old Oak Common) in West London.
The Department for Transport told the paper it would not pre-empt or prejudice the review with a ‘running commentary’ on its progress.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
