North East makes the case for new rail line

Oct 19 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

The report states: “A phased approach to high speed will undoubtedly give an early economic advantage to those areas connected first. It is critical this does not send a signal to investors which will be difficult to turn back from. Encouraging development along a single corridor would create lop-sided economic growth in the UK.”

There is also a warning to cost-conscious ministers that building through the more difficult and hilly terrain on the west coast route “is calculated to cost 42% more per kilometre and viaducts and major structures would cost three and a half times the per kilometre cost of easier terrain as found on the east coast”.

Another strong argument against the west coast is the larger number of potential passengers available on a new east coast line.

While the west coast is the more congested route, city regions such as Leeds , Sheffield and Newcastle and the surrounding areas mean there is a greater need here.

The report has won the support of the North East Chamber of Commerce, with boss James Ramsbotham pointing to the UK-wide benefits of an east coast route.

He said: “The coming decisions that the UK will face on high speed rail will be crucial in ensuring that the country’s rail network is fit for the second half of the 21st Century.

“Effective infrastructure provides the building blocks on which businesses can grow a strong and sustainable economy, and this paper sets out clearly why the North East of England must be at the forefront of the next generation of rail investments.”

His arguments for the UK-wide benefits are based in part on fears a west coast only route would encourage development away from the country’s main trading partner, Europe, and “from the east coast ports which are vital for serving these trade links”.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis will be sent a copy of the report, as will staff at High Speed Two, the Government-created company set up to advise on the new line.

Lord Adonis told The Journal that even though a decision is just months away, it was not too late to make the region’s case.

He said: “The North East is making a very strong case and that is being taken very seriously by the High Speed company.

“We asked them to recommend the detailed route plan from London to Birmingham and then route options from there. The North East is already part of that brief.”