21 Nov 2021
The Department for Transport finally published the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) last Thursday and, as expected, it confirmed that the Eastern Leg of HS2 will be cancelled and replaced by improvements to the existing tracks.
The IRP states that engineering challenges on the Eastern Leg threatened the deliverability of this part of the project. Mid Cheshire Against HS2 has frequently pointed out to HS2 Ltd the known and unknown risks of crossing the Cheshire salt district (Western Leg).
Surely it is time that the Government faced up to the current economic and environmental realities and decides to adopt the same approach between Crewe and Manchester?
Royal Assent for Phase 2b has not yet been granted. It is not too late to replace the current plans with an upgrade of the existing lines into Manchester and to avoid the financial and environmental shambles that current plans would create.
A member of Mid Cheshire Against HS2.
