HS2 took a massive step forward today (March 23) when it passes its third reading in the Commons, with 399 MPs voting in favour of the Bill, and 42 against.
The Bill will now pass to the House of Lords. Subject to completing is parliamentary passage, construction will begin next year.
Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said: “Once again Parliament has backed HS2 and brought this vital new railway one step closer to reality. British contractors are now bidding to build the line, British apprentices are waiting to work on it and British cities are waiting to benefit from it.
“We expect HS2 to begin construction next year. As we enter this new phase I make 3 pledges: we will work closely with those communities affected by the HS2 route, we will keep a firm grip on costs and we will drive maximum value for money from this new railway.”
- For much more on this, read RAIL 798, published on April 13.
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Melvyn - 23/03/2016 23:52
One benefit of this vote on HS2 is that HS2 has now received overwhelming endorsement in two parliaments something that a long term project can benefit from. It seems their were complaints about the time allowed to discuss this bill at 3rd reading but I read that bills only get a shirt debate at 3 rd reading stage given the time taken during 2nd reading and committee stage of bills.
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FrankH - 26/03/2016 00:06
Whichever side your on it seems a darned expensive way of saving 10 - 20 minutes travel time to the north of england. Expensive to build and more than likely to travel on.
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Guest - 29/03/2016 19:20
HS2 is about providing capacity for expanding rail use in the 21st century. You sound like the person who questioned why the should use GWR to get to London in 5 hours when they can get to London fir free in 5 days . Seems road users even in them days did not count costs of vehicles and fue
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FrankH - 31/03/2016 01:01
HS2 is about getting people into and out of London, nothing more or less. If it didn't affect London it wouldn't be built. The rest of the cities and towns on the route are a by product of that, a minor detail that sounds good when mentioned as a selling point. It won't get past Manchester.
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Andrewjgwilt1989 - 26/03/2016 15:40
So the 1st Phase of HS2 could start next year with the 2nd phase in mid 2020's and to be completed by 2026 or before 2030.
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FrankH - 08/04/2016 00:21
I wonder if we'll see a SLJ900/32 in action on viaducts, facinating. U tube it and you'll see what i mean.
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