Parliament continues to show very strong support for HS2, as the Bill for the extension from the West Midlands to Crewe – Phase 2A – is given Royal Assent.  

Parliament’s approval for extending HS2 beyond the West Midlands to the North, plugging the line into one of the country’s principal rail hubs in Crewe, is a clear sign that MPs recognise the enormous potential of this scheme and continue to give their strong support.  

It also means the 58km (36miles) route will be built earlier than originally planned, enabling towns and cities across north western England, north Wales and Scotland to benefit sooner, with the opening now planned to coincide with Phase One between London and the West Midlands.  

HS2 is the first major railway built in the North for over 100 years. It will spur massive economic growth for UK towns and cities, help to level up the country, and provide cleaner, greener public transport for millions.   

Once operational, high speed services operating between London, Birmingham and Crewe will use the newly-constructed high speed line – delivering extra capacity, improved reliability and reducing journey times. These services will then join the existing network to create direct services to places including Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow. Crewe is also the station for connections to North Wales and Shrewsbury.    

Passenger services will start between HS2’s stations at London Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street between 2029-33. Phase 2a’s opening will be aligned with the London – Birmingham route.    

For further information  on the project please click here and uk/65 for the tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/ . 06/21