The government are backing plans to build a high-speed rail service to Stoke on Trent, platform extensions and a re-designed junction at Crewe, to allow more people access to HS2
In order to support the governments vision for the Crewe Hub, plans for the high-speed rail HS2Phase 2a will be slightly adjusted. The changes will include:
- extension of Platform 5 at Crewe to 400 metres, to allow for the splitting and joining of HS2 services, which also opens opportunities to serve Stoke-on-Trent with HS2
- a more efficient design for the proposed platform on the Manchester independent lines, incorporating a transfer deck to the main station
- a change to the design of the southern connection from HS2, so that HS2joins, and takes over, the central 2 lines on the existing network
As part of Phase 2b, an additional junction north of Crewe will allow 5 to 7 HS2 trains to call at Crewe every hour. It is hoped that this will improve connectivity on the lines from Crewe to Shrewsbury and Chester and Stoke on Trent.
It has been reported that Secretary of State, Chris Grayling will ask West Coast Partnership – the franchise operator for the works – for a high-speed rail service to Stoke on Trent amongst the other development and service plans due to start.
Secretary of State Chris Grayling said:
“We have listened to people’s views on the Crewe Hub consultation, ensuring that the town’s proud history as an epicentre of rail journeys is set to continue, as it plays a vital role in delivering Britain’s future railway.
HS2 will be the backbone of our National Rail network, increasing capacity on our congested rail network with thousands more seats on commuter services, improving vital connections between some of our country’s biggest cities and generating jobs, skills and economic growth.
It also builds on our earlier decision to bring the benefits of HS2 to Crewe from 2027 – 6 years earlier than originally planned – as well as allowing the benefits of a high-speed rail service to extend to Stoke-on-Trent.”
The government hope that by extending the HS2 to Crewe, greater benefits and opportunities will be brought to the Stoke on Trent and Crewe areas by providing more people with access to high-speed rail and long distance services.
The full response to the Crewe Hub consultation is on GOV.UK
