News on HS2 Phase Two - Crewe to Manchester

We’ve published updated proposals for the whole of the Western Leg, including the work we’d need to do on the existing railway network to enable high speed trains to serve stations to north of Manchester, like Preston and Carlisle. We have listened to communities and stakeholders and changed some of the elements of our design to respond to the feedback.

At the same time, the Minster of State for Transport has today (Wednesday, October 7) announced the opening of a new public consultation, inviting your views on the latest proposals for Britain's new high speed railway. The public consultation runs until 11.45pm on December 11.

We are launching several new online tools to make it easier for you to access information and ask us questions, including an interactive map and a virtual exhibition room.

The updated proposals for the western leg and information about how to register for our live webinars is available at www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b .

Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinement Consultation

We are encouraging communities to have their say on a series of proposals known as a Design Refinement Consultation. This highlights how the route from Crewe to Manchester, the Phase 2b Western Leg, is progressing to fully integrate with plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and the wider transport network.

Our consultation focuses on four proposed modifications to the current design of the railway on the Phase 2b Western leg. The proposed changes for consultation are:

As well as the changes being consulted on, there have been a number of smaller changes to the design of the Western Leg of Phase 2b, including plans for proposed works to Preston and Carlisle stations, following ongoing design development and feedback received during previous consultations and engagement with stakeholders and communities.

Our proposals demonstrate cost efficiencies by integrating the infrastructure required to deliver NPR into the design of HS2’s Western Leg hybrid Bill. This forward-thinking approach aligns to the Government’s vision to significantly improve capacity, connectivity and reliability of the rail network across the North as quickly as possible.

Although the changes only affect specific areas, everybody is welcome to respond. Details of how the design has changed in your area and the new plans can be found below.

Safeguarding has been updated for the Western Leg of Phase 2b and we are contacting people whose property or land is affected by our proposals and arranging online or telephone appointments.

Because public facing events are not being held in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of local communities, we are also supporting this public consultation through a series of live webinar events, which will allow communities to find out more about the proposals and ask questions. All sessions will be recorded and hosted on HS2 Ltd’s You Tube channel for anyone unable to attend on the day to watch again. You will need to register for these online sessions, and all details can be found on the event pages on the HS2 website .

The webinars are supported by our freephone Helpdesk, which is available 24/7. People who are unable to access the internet can call our Helpdesk to request a copy of any published document (free of charge) or arrange a phone appointment.

HS2 Ltd’s helpdesk is available 24/7 for questions and enquiries. You can contact the Helpdesk on Freephone 08081 434 434 , by Minicom on 08081 456 472 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .