Royal Assent has been given for the next phase of High Speed 2, the new rail link for the UK.
Phase 2A will extend HS2 to the North, from the Fradley, in the West Midlands to Crewe.
HS2 should bring a big economic benefit to the area between West Midlands and Crewe, supporting at least 5,000 jobs. The Oakervee Review had recommended that Phase 2A was approval, with the decision being in debate and discussion over the past couple of years.
Alongside the 5,000 jobs, 140 permanent jobs will be created for the maintenance base near Stone in Staffordshire.
High-speed trains will operate between London, Birmingham and Crewe to deliver more capacity. Train services will join the existing rail network for destinations such as Liverpool, Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow, with Crewe being a hub for trains for North Wales and Shrewsbury.
This news also means that 36 miles of railway line will be built earlier than planned, with the opening planned to be in line with Phase One between London and the West Midlands.
Service will start between 2029-2033 from London Old Oak Common to Birmingham Curzon Street, with Phase 2a also planned to be opened at the same time.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “Today is a landmark moment in our infrastructure revolution. HS2 is the most significant expansion to our national railways in a generation – transforming connectivity between our towns and cities and vastly increasing the capacity of our rail network. By proceeding full steam ahead, we are delivering on our commitment to unite and level up the country.
“The construction of Phase 2a will support thousands of jobs and create opportunities for local businesses as we build back better.”
Welcoming the decision, HS2 Ltd CEO, Mark Thurston, said: “Parliament's approval for extending HS2 beyond the West Midlands to the North is a clear sign that MPs recognise the enormous potential of this scheme and continue to give their strong support.
“As the first major railway built in the North for over 100 years, HS2 will spur massive economic growth for our towns and cities, help to level up the country, and provide cleaner, greener public transport for millions. As construction starts, this new phase of work will very quickly support 5,000 jobs in the North, with many more in the supply chain, further cementing HS2's critical role in Britain's economic recovery from the pandemic.”
Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe & Nantwich, said: “Extending the HS2 line to Crewe is a major step towards levelling-up the north. It is crucial to bringing new jobs and opportunities to our town and for creating better local rail connections as we free up the currently overly congested line West Coast Main Line. This reaffirms Crewe's status at the heart of the rail network and just as we were a crucial part of the previous rail revolution, HS2 will cement our place as a vital part of the next.”
Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “HS2 brings potential benefits for Staffordshire businesses, both now and in the future. Extending the high speed line northwards will generate thousands of contract opportunities for local businesses of all sizes and their involvement will provide a vital boost for the Staffordshire economy in the years ahead.”
Northern Powerhouse Rail Director at Transport for the North Tim Wood said: “This is brilliant news. It has been a long time coming but HS2 has now been approved up to Crewe, which takes us to the doorstep of the North of England. The move will lock-in the creation of thousands of jobs in the years to come as we seek to build back better.
“It is essential now that the North gets certainty on the delivery of Phase 2b in full, on both sides of the Pennines, so that our communities are fully connected to the nation's high-speed network. Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2 are two parts of a whole and both are fundamental to the transformative change we need to release the North's economic potential and cut carbon emissions.
“We look forward to the Government's Integrated Rail Plan shortly, which needs to give certainty to both HS2 to Manchester and Leeds, and to the Northern Powerhouse Rail network.”
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Boycott incoming?
Crewe is the hub – three lines north -three lines south – Crewe to the potteries line is not in shown – Disgrace!!
With Crewe being the railway hub on the West Coast Main Line and in Northern England. And with lots of connections including North Wales, Liverpool, Manchester and the Pennines. And with HS2 currently under construction with Phase 2a been given the go ahead. I think that Crewe would benefit from seeing HS2 and new trains to be built for HS2.
So, not only aren’t politicians listening to the people, the queen is ignoring as well. says a lot for democracy.