THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS has announced that it is in favour of building a High Speed rail network in Britain, saying that the HS2 project supports a 'more structured transport strategy'. But it has warned that the business case needs to be kept under review.
The ICE has been evaluating the government's proposals for a line between London and Birmingham, which would then be continued on two corridors to Manchester and Leeds. The Leeds route would also serve the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Its report concludes that building the new lines would release capacity on the existing rail network, parts of which are becoming overloaded, and also regenerate the economies of city regions outside London.
Steven Hayter, who chairs the ICE's High Speed Rail working group, said: “The opportunity should be taken to invest in growth by providing a new railway that is fit for the 21st century – significantly increasing capacity, strengthening connectivity between Britain’s city-regions and linking up with the Trans-European rail network. The time to invest is now, and we endorse the Government’s strategy."
He added: “Faster, more reliable connections to London could propel a city-region’s economic competitiveness and act as a catalyst for regeneration as city developers, planners and businesses alike take advantage of the opportunities – especially in the Midlands, the North and Scotland.
“But we believe the benefits are not limited to those cities served by HS2. Many will benefit from released capacity and significantly improved services on the existing lines, such as communities that are currently not well served by the West Coast Main Line. Those not directly served by HS2 will also benefit from reduced journey times providing their nearest HS2 station is easily accessible by road or public transport. The key to growth is in the regions’ hands – they are best placed to devise how to use this infrastructural asset to their advantage and ensure economic development is evenly spread.”
He stressed that the business case must continue to be reviewed as the proposals develop. Additionally he is urging the government to make sure that national benefits are realised, by committing itself to the full route extending to Leeds and Manchester, and also by giving serious consideration to future extensions.
One issue raised by the ICE is the planning of interchanges, and it is particularly concerned how the London Underground would deal with an additional 80,000 passengers a day using the new High Speed terminus at Euston. It is also urging the government to realise the maximum environmental benefits, by making sure that more electricity is generated from low carbon sources in future.