New research flags up capacity-releasing potential of rail scheme

Midlands Connect has submitted research to the HS2 Oakervee Review which suggests that the scheme could free up enough space on the existing railway network to improve services for 13 stations across the East Midlands.

The findings indicate that the extra capacity provided by the new high speed line could create space on the existing network to introduce faster and more frequent services, reduce crowding and introduce new services between destinations that currently have no direct rail link.

Stations which will not be served by HS2 trains such as Derby, Newark North Gate and Retford could also benefit from the released capacity, which works by moving long-distance traffic from the current rail infrastructure onto the new high speed line, creating the extra room needed to improve local and inter-regional services.

For example, by releasing capacity on the East Coast Main Line it may be possible to introduce a regular, direct service between Lincoln and London Kings Cross, via Newark North Gate, Grantham, Peterborough and Stevenage. At present there is just one direct Lincoln-London service a day, with the remainder requiring a change at Newark North Gate, Peterborough or Retford.

Sir John Peace, chair of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, said: “The benefits of HS2 will be felt by millions of people across the UK, including passengers that never set foot on a high speed train. Regional and local rail services are in desperate need of improvement and it’s time we face facts, without the space and flexibility created by HS2, the transformational change needed is not possible.

“It is the capacity released by the line – not just its speed – that will give the whole network a desperately needed overhaul.”