Review of the technical specification for high speed rail in the UK
A review by HS2 Ltd of the technical specification for HS2 in light of consultation responses.
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Details
Executive summary
This is HS2 Ltd’s report to government which presents the outcomes of the review of responses to the consultation regarding the technical specification for HS2. The ‘High speed rail: Investing in Britain’s future’ consultation was launched on 28 February 2011 with a closing date for responses of 29 July 2011. That consultation covered both the government’s strategy for high speed rail, and the line of route for phase one from London to the West Midlands. Consultation responses expressed concern around a number of areas which this report specifically considers:
- specifying proven technology
- capacity of HS2: 18 trains per hour
- a design speed of 250 mph (400 kph)
- hours of operation
- gauge of HS2 trains
- the specification of the classic compatible trains
- reliability
- impact on other existing rail services
- freight on HS2
- interconnectivity with other transport networks
- operational safety
To address these we established a programme to review existing work and, where appropriate, undertake new analysis. This work has highlighted a number of areas that would require careful consideration during the subsequent design stages of HS2 and its interface with the classic network and, if a decision is taken to proceed with HS2, we would seek to address these in our future work programme. We have also identified a small programme of adjustments to infrastructure on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) that would be needed to mitigate impacts on journey times for classic compatible services north of Lichfield. These have been included in revised cost estimates for HS2.
Overall, we conclude that the specification developed for HS2 is robust and appropriate for the stage of development of the project.
Related documents
- High speed rail: Investing in Britain’s future - the government’s decisions
- High speed rail: Investing in Britain’s future - decisions and next steps
- High speed rail: Investing in Britain’s future consultation summary report
- Review of the government’s strategy for a national high speed rail network
- High speed rail strategic alternatives study: Update following consultation
- Review of strategic alternatives to High Speed Two
- Economic case for HS2: Updated appraisal of transport user benefits and wider economic benefits
- Economic case for HS2: Value for money statement
- Review of possible refinements to the proposed HS2 London to West Midlands route
- Summary of effects of HS2 London to West Midlands route refinements
- Review of HS2 London to West Midlands route selection and speed
- Review of HS2 London to West Midlands appraisal of sustainability
- Review of property issues
- HS2 revised line of route maps
- Do you think you are affected by the HS2 route?