HS2 Yorkshire route announced - except for station in Sheffield

The Government has announced the second phase of the HS2 rail service between Crewe and Manchester and the West Midlands and Leeds - but a final decision on the Sheffield station will be made next year.
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In an announcement today, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the routes will provide a major boost to the prosperity of the country, as well as being is a clear signal the UK is open for business.

He added: “In line with Sir David Higgins’ recommendation, we propose HS2 should serve Sheffield with a connection to the existing station with the main route moved further east. We will be consulting before a final decision is made next year.”

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HS2 Ltd has proposed a city centre stop on a loop off a north-south mainline which would cut costs compared to the Meadowhall proposal by £1bn. But the new mainline would cut through a new housing estate in Mexborough.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling added: “HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the Government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century, one that works for all and makes clear to the world that Britain remains open for business.

“The full HS2 route will be a game-changer for the country that will slash journey times and perhaps most importantly give rail passengers on the existing network thousands of extra seats every day. They represent the greatest upgrade to our railway in living memory.”

The first phase of the £55bn railway is due to open in December 2026 between London and Birmingham before continuing on the existing West Coast Main Line.

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A second Y-shaped phase, taking the high-speed line to Yorkshire, north-west England, and beyond, is due to be completed by about 2032-33.

A proposed route was first published in 2013 for the northern half of HS2, but a review of the programme and debate over the location of stations, especially around Sheffield, means detailed plans have been delayed by almost two years from the original schedule. However, DfT still says it expects the £55bn scheme to be fully operational by 2033.