HS3 moves a step closer
Prime Minister David Cameron has given the green light to plans for a high-speed "HS3" rail link in the north of England, following a report by HS2 boss Sir David Higgins.
Sir David said better rail links in northern England were "desirable" and "possible" after being asked to look at ways of maximising the benefits of HS2.
The government said it would now develop a strategy looking at options, costs and a delivery timetable for HS3 and will produce a further report in March 2015
Speaking at the launch of Sir David Higgins' report, Chancellor George Osborne said the government "need to take David's report and turn it into a proper plan that can now be legislated in parliament".
He said that it was a "big flaw" of the original HS2 plans to miss east-west connections.
Journey times from Manchester to Leeds could be cut from 48 to 26 minutes.
The east-west improvements backed by Sir David would be in addition to the north-of-Birmingham phase two of HS2, which will see a Y-shaped route going from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.
Comments
In the mean time, looks like the A66 and A595 are on the back burner.
I mean its awesome to get people on the train (though when they get to the station perhaps they can star trek beam around)
Mind you, it would be a nice plan if people did actually want to leave the car and take the train, though I don't know if that's true or not. I for one don't recall ever being ASKED.