Spring launch for UK high speed rail plans
Robert JonesThe British government is set to launch its plans for the initial phase of network of high speed trains across the country.
The British transport secretary Lord Adonis said this week that he hoped to release a detailed ‘blue print’ as soon as next March for the new network of high-speed rail lines. The report should include proposals for routes, timescales and the project’s assessment in terms of finances, economics, as well as environmental impact.
The detailed plans would be presented in a White Paper and a public consultation would follow shortly after, at the start of August 2010.
The transport secretary spoke about the high-speed rail network at the launch of High Speed One, the UK’s initial full service and only high speed train line.
The high speed rail line located in Kent accommodates the Eurostar as it reaches to and from the continent, although commuter train are now allowed the usage of the track.
According to Lord Adonis, the potential for high speed rail to inject energy in the region is now a very real possibility, although the extent of the country’s high speed rail network is far behind what it is in its European neighbouring counterparts such as France. For example, Britain’s system doesn’t link the nation’s most important cities.
Lord Adonis mentioned the upcoming report by High Speed Two, the consultancy firm set up to stir the evolution of a London to Scotland high speed system. The report could have a huge impact on Britain’s rail service as a symbol of change in train travel.
Lord Adonis revealed that such a massive project will need to go through careful analysis before a Spring time detailed unveiling of the high speed project.
According to the UK Department for Transport (DFT), the High Speed Two document will represent the most extensive and detailed undertaking of its kind in British high speed rail history.
The report is expected to feature precise information regarding phase one of the project which will see a line being developed between the capital and the West Midlands. This first line will also be considered for its ‘offshoot’ possibilities with extensions being thought of for other region of Britain such as the East Midlands, the North West, the North East Yorkshire and Scotland.
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Filed under Travel News, UK News