My thinking was that a tunneled station would be cheaper for existing services compared to HS2 trains which seem to need larger platform and circulating spaces based on passenger numbers etc.
You would need a tunneled station with 15 platforms at least though if you are assuming the existing WCML and DC lines? HS2 doesn't need as many as that.
Whatever paths would free up enough space at Euston for HS2, probably focused on the routes travelling the shortest distance to improve cross-London connections, or whichever has the shortest trains and therefore least space requirement. I was not thinking 15 platforms! My question was really just that, a question, as I did not see this considered in any of the reports I saw, including the station alternative report linked above. Thanks very much for pointing out how unrealistic it is
What about north/east of Manchester?
Ever been on XC? The Avanti West Midlands - Scotland services aren't quiet either.
The current London - West Midlands - Preston - Scotland WCML service will remain post HS2 for Oxenholme and Lancaster.
There's no planned connection between the HS route into Piccadilly, and Preston, without going back to Crewe.
Yes, but there is currently no plan for any new line east of Marsden, at least not that the government have included in their plans. Is there really capacity for long distance trains through Huddersfield and Morley?
I think the north side of the triangle was definitively dropped well before the Golborne link itself was dropped. It was only ever intended for empty coaching stock movements, when a depot was planned south of Wigan, later moved to Crewe.
Very interesting, thanks.
Conditionally on the completion of TRU, of course.
East of Ravensthorpe would be a bottleneck.
AIUI the HS2 work planned for the WCML 9 day block next week is to install the bridge over the HS2 mainline near Whittington. That will eventually be needed for Phase 2a even if the Handsacre link is abandoned.
The Fulfen Wood bridge push was always going to happen, that was too late to be paused. That block also has a large amount of NR work in it so would have likely took place regardless. The moving of cables, OLE, earthworks etc to faciltate Handsacre Jn has all been culled.
Indeed, Colwich Jnc work and Lichfield bridge removal also this week I believe
I'm pretty nigh on certain that the link to the classic lines will be built. Would massively detract from the business case and value for money if removed.
The phase 1 business case is partly based on being able to run trains off HS2 and into the classic lines. Handsacre will open during the 2029-33 window, albeit later than the first captive phase from OOC to Curzon Street. There may be a bit of rephasing of works to give the government fiscal headroom for pre election tax cuts, but even the current government aren’t so mad as to axe the link that enables the line to be used as more than just a Bham to London shuttle.
