High-speed rail line for North looks unlikely

Mar 11 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

If that does become a reality, work would not start until 2017 at the earliest, with a London-Birmingham line unlikely to open before 2025.

Initially, there would be 14 trains an hour on the route, but if the line is extended north, there could be 18.

Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland said it would be a “gross disservice” if the region was overlooked. “We have seen evidence from abroad of the massive boost to a city’s economy from high speed rail, and we cannot afford to miss out on this,” he said. “The challenge facing the North East is to ensure we convince any future government that it is vital we secure this investment.”

The Journal recently revealed Lord Adonis’ plans will see high-speed trains introduced to the region before new tracks are laid.

He said: “My concern is to see that Scotland is served by high-speed services from the outset of a network being developed, as it’s not possible to build a network all in one go.

“I expect high-speed trains serving Scotland directly and offering massive journey time savings to London.”

The Tories are also keen to see the route include Heathrow Airport.

Newcastle Council leader John Shipley has helped lead efforts to bring the massive infrastructure investment to the city.

He said it was “essential” to the region’s economic development that the Government offered some sort of transport improvement.

He added: “It’s vital we are given good news today. If we don’t get a new track in the first wave of investment, we must at least get high speed rail stock heading to the region.”