High-speed rail line for North looks unlikely

Mar 11 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Transport Secretary is today expected to announce high-speed rail plans which will decide the region’s prosperity for decades to come.

Businesses and politicians across the North East are hoping Lord Adonis will ensure a new railway line passes through the North East.

It’s thought the Government is set to publish initial costs and routes for a new London to Birmingham line.

It is largely expected that ministers will also confirm their intention to create a new West Coast route for trains travelling at up to 250mph.

If so, the North East will not get a dedicated high-speed line for many years.

But high-speed trains will be able to run on traditional, slower lines, in the meantime.

While the exact route won’t be announced, Lord Adonis will indicate the Government’s favourite route for a North-South line.

Ministers have been warned that a failure to secure a North East route will rob the region of billions of pounds in investment as businesses instead plough cash into better-connected cities.

Lord Adonis is expected to announce that 1,100-seater HSR trains will arrive and depart from a new London station, with the route of the line likely to pass through the Chiltern Hills to Birmingham.