High-speed rail plans announced by government.

joshua

Well-Known Forumite
Whilst this 'delay' is being done to flatten the cost to the treasury, it really needs to be accompanied by a new cost benefit analysis based on a re-estimated total cost. This work must have been done to justify the decision, and for a project this size - which from the outside looks to be spiraling out of control scope/schedule/price wise - needs to be published.
It would be interesting if there’s any response from Hitachi Rail who have invested quite a bit to supply circa 432 trains. Initially due to be running by 2029 but now departure truly unknown.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Whilst this 'delay' is being done to flatten the cost to the treasury, it really needs to be accompanied by a new cost benefit analysis based on a re-estimated total cost. This work must have been done to justify the decision, and for a project this size - which from the outside looks to be spiraling out of control scope/schedule/price wise - needs to be published.
It would be interesting if there’s any response from Hitachi Rail who have invested quite a bit to supply circa 432 trains. Initially due to be running by 2029 but now departure truly unknown.
Surely inflation alone means delays cost more?
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Further rumours of greater difficulties now...

Contractors making redundancies, rather than hold onto staff during a 'pause'.
 

Theresa Green

Well-Known Forumite
It’s almost finished

Just a few minor details to go

The odd tunnel and bridge here and there

A lickle bit of track left to put down

Just need to get the coal supplies up to the right levels and install some water towers and it’s ready to rumble

Full steam ahead!

SS2 here we goo
 

Theresa Green

Well-Known Forumite
IMG_6707.jpeg
 

The Hawk

Well-Known Forumite

Theresa Green

Well-Known Forumite
I still think the government may well kick the can down the road, rather than formally cancel phase 2.

It's also worth mentioning that Stafford high speed service is (or was) part of phase 1, via the Handsacre link, so it may well survive any can kicking.
If you’re a new born, you might just get to London 5 minutes quicker than today, on a new train, by the time you are old enough to drive there
 

The Hawk

Well-Known Forumite
If you’re a new born, you might just get to London 5 minutes quicker than today, on a new train, by the time you are old enough to drive there
I doubt that. The section from Old Oak Common to London Euston also looks like it will have its can kicked well and truly down the road.

I mean, how many people will want to travel from the edge of Birmingham city centre (or possibly Stafford) to Old Oak Common, only to change transport for the rest of their journey into London?
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
I see Hunt flew to Manchester to speak in an ex-railway station without mentioning the failure of the largest current infrastructure project.
 

Wormella

Well-Known Forumite
Hmm, some clarity would be nice (wishful thinking really)

Stafford is for now still listed

 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
I imagine they want to get out of Manchester before they admit the abandonment.

I have seen it suggested variously that it may terminate at Lichfield or, possibly, Crewe.

Even if a real announcement is eventually forthcoming, that could well not be the truth.
 
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