HS2 — THERE’S MUCH MORE AT STAKE HERE
Too big to fail? Too much already invested?
Boris Johnson last week appeared to rule out a U-turn on the much-criticised, some say potentially £100bn+ investment, in the high speed North-South rail link saying ‘the only thing to do is keep digging.’
A final decision on the project’s prospects will come this month (February) for the link that was conceived to connect London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
But the impact of HS2 goes beyond simply faster journeys between cities in the Midlands and the North. To fully appreciate what this, the UK’s biggest construction project has the capacity to deliver, we have to look a little more closely.
This link takes the pressure off the existing rail infrastructure — an infrastructure that is creaking and trying to do too much. Delays are caused waiting for other trains to move and peak times are crowded in many key city locations, freeing up space and seeing timetables achieved.
This link takes the pressure off the roads. If there’s a faster, more efficient and, frankly, more comfortable way to make a long journey for business or pleasure, then that’s all to the good. And the roads will be less populated.
This link takes the pressure off domestic flights. There will be little to gain — time-wise — by flying and air travel doesn’t take you into the middle of cities.
This link takes the pressure off emissions. The new trains are electric and commuters switching from cars, aircraft and diesel trains all have a part to play in delivering an environmental advantage.
There is one other, vital thing that this link will do. Something that has never been more important. It will keep Britain connected.
When the Victorians set out to build the first railways it was with the intention of facilitating trade and the movement of people so that the country benefited from a greater connectedness.
The line will deliver a positive effect for business and communities. It is a unifier when the UK is at its most disparate, and it is a significant contributor to the Circular Economy. This link will reduce waste, improve efficiencies and engender a sense of belonging within a country that is coming to terms with who it is.
