The Network Rail west coast main line RUS says the construction and operational phases of phase one of HS2 will have fundamental implications for the WCML which, it predicts, will be out of capacity by 2024.
The new high speed line would free up much needed capacity allowing more and faster services giving more seats to commuters to operate on the route’s southern section between Rugby, Northampton, Milton Keynes and London, and would also allow more room for rail freight, the report finds.
The case for HS2 needs to be strong enough to overwhelm fierce opposition to the scheme from the Tory heartlands of the Chilterns. A public consultation on the scheme is expected to be launched early next year.
