THE body representing civil engineers has called for better integration of existing local transport and constant reviews of the business case behind the proposed High Speed 2 rail link.
The Institution of Civil Engineers called on the Government to ensure careful thought was given to connection points on HS2’s route to the existing network and the costs involved in providing extra capacity at terminals.
In its submission to the public consultation into the high speed rail line between London and Birmingham, which ends on Friday, the ICE drew particular reference to how the London Underground would cope with the 80,000 additional passengers brought into Euston from HS2.
It also stressed that, while the proposals opened up significant economic opportunities and presented good value for money, the business case must be reviewed continually as the proposals developed.
It also urged Government to ensure the UK wide benefits were realised by committing to the Y-shaped route extension to Leeds and Manchester and by giving serious consideration to others beyond this.
Chair of ICE’s high speed working group Steven Hayter said: “The opportunity should be taken to invest in growth by providing a new railway that is fit for the 21st century – significantly increasing capacity, strengthening connectivity between Britain’s city-regions and linking up with the Trans-European rail network. The time to invest is now, and we endorse the Government’s strategy.
“Faster, more reliable connections to London could propel a city-region’s economic competitiveness and act as a catalyst for regeneration as city developers, planners and businesses alike take advantage of the opportunities – especially in the Midlands, the North and Scotland.
“The key to growth is in the regions’ hands – they are best placed to devise how to use this infrastructural asset to their advantage and ensure economic development is evenly spread.”
