High Speed 2 - HS2 (27/03/10)
Well we finally got the long awaited report and generally it seems to make sense. HS2 is really important to the Midlands and we need to get the government, and any new government, to push on.
The decision to delay the start of the project to 2017 has got supporting reasons but in all reality is crazy. We need to move now, we need to go through a quick and effective planning review and make the final route decisions. This will reduce the impact of blight and may take some three or four years off the total project timetable. The country needs infrastructure projects like this and adding a four year delay to the process seems pointless when viewed against that need.
Connectivty to HS1 (Channel Rail link for you and me!) also needs to be sorted out. We need a joined up system. If we go for another option we will have to correct our error in the future - so let's get it right from the start.
Despite all the good news there are some local impacts such as the planned new BCU campus at Eastside. Another reason to move forward with alacrity so that alternative solutiions can be found and implemented.
Well done to the HS2 team for the work done thus far, don't lose momentum now but rather push on for all the reasons stated above.
- Richard Brennan's blog
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