HS2 link to Crewe coming six years early

The high-speed rail link running from Birmingham to Crewe is due to open in 2027, six years earlier than planned.

The announcement was made by Chancellor George Osborne as he confirmed that Transport for the North, a new body launched to improve transport links in the North, will be chaired by former Confederation of British Industry head John Cridland.

According to the BBC, part of phase two of the HS2 project will open just one year after the first phase, linking London with Birmingham, becomes operational.

Once the new route opens, journey times between Crewe and the capital will be slashed by 45 minutes, according to the Treasury.

Mr Osborne said: “Bringing forward this part of the HS2 route by six years is a massive step in the right direction for the Northern Powerhouse where high-speed rail will play a big role in connecting up the entire region with the rest of the country.”

In last Wednesday’s Spending Review, the Chancellor revealed that the government plans to spend £13bn on upgrading transport links across the North.

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