The Department for Transport has announced the removal of the £3bn Golborne Link from the HS2 Phase 2b plan.
- Designed to enhance connectivity and journey times to Scotland via the West Coast Main Line, the 21km link faced resistance.
- Rail industry leaders expressed discontent, considering it essential to the UK’s high-speed rail network.
- Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review played a key role in the decision against the Golborne Link.
- The government is committed to exploring alternatives to transport HS2 trains to Scotland efficiently.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed the decision to remove the £3 billion Golborne Link from the HS2 Phase 2b bill. This link was originally a part of the ambitious HS2 Crewe to Manchester scheme, aimed at redirecting trains from the main route before Manchester and facilitating a connection to the West Coast Main Line near Wigan. The primary objective of this link was to bolster connectivity and reduce journey time to Scotland while enhancing freight capacity on the main line.
The proposal to scrap the Golborne Link has been met with considerable backlash from industry leaders and engineers. They argue that the link is a pivotal component of the future high-speed rail network in the UK. Despite these objections, the decision to excise the Golborne Link from the bill is now finalised, precluding any legislative effort to construct it.
The Union Connectivity Review, conducted by Sir Peter Hendy, significantly influenced this outcome. His assessment highlighted that the Golborne Link would not effectively address existing capacity limitations and suggested that it might not be the optimal method for routing high-speed trains to Scotland. Furthermore, the decision follows heightened opposition from Members of Parliament and local residents in areas such as Warrington, Wigan, and Trafford, who cited the potential disruptions the link could cause in their constituencies.
The official stance of the government remains steadfast in its commitment to identify a viable solution for extending HS2 services to Scotland. It emphasised a comprehensive approach that involves evaluating several alternatives capable of delivering equivalent benefits within the Integrated Rail Plan. This exploration could involve either updating existing infrastructure or proposing a new high-speed line.
An updated strategic outline business case accompanying the HS2 Crewe – Manchester scheme will be released prior to the second reading in Parliament, revealing the implications of excluding the Golborne Link. While alternates are explored, safeguarding along the originally proposed route will persist. This measure ensures that affected homeowners continue to receive compensation and necessary support.
Hailing HS2 as an unprecedented project poised to revolutionise travel across the UK for generations, HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson underscored the necessity of meticulous planning from the project’s inception. In his words, “Removing this link is about ensuring that we’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to working with our Scottish counterparts to find a solution that will best serve the great people of Scotland.”
The decision to scrap the Golborne Link marks a significant pivot in the HS2 strategy, with efforts now directed towards finding more suitable alternatives.
