Is there any real movement on the Leicester scheme?
The NR 2017 Enhancements document stated:
"Scope of works
• Currently the project is in the process of closing out GRIP Stage 2. The remit is to provide capacity to meet growth forecasts to 2023 and to build towards 2033 and 2043 forecast levels.
• Given changes to the delivery timescale for capacity enhancement works on other key routes, notably the F2N corridor a limited refresh of GRIP 2 will be undertaken in early 2016 against revised traffic forecasts to ensure the proposed outputs in CP6 remain aligned with forecast demand.
• Currently it is assumed the works will deliver grade separation at Wigston, up and down slow lines between Leicester and Wigston, a new slow line
platform at Leicester and up and down slow lines between Humberstone Road and Syston to aid improved capacity/train regulation in the Syston area."
I couldn't see anything in the latest CP6 GRIP list but it's mentioned obliquely in the Midlands Hub proposal which the Chancellor today endorsed. This report includes "necessary electrification - £600M"
described strangely as "North of Market Harborough and West of Nottingham", as part of a Bedford - Leeds route using HS2b from Toton (aka East Midlands Hub or Nottingham and Derby Parkway!) It also wants a fast HS2b routed service from B'ham to Derby/Nottingham with its own junction plan. £600M would buy about 93 miles of route at £2m/stkm.
It also compares Coventry- Leicester (99% car/1% rail) to Manchester Sheffield (50% car/ 50% rail) overlooking the difference between the M69 and the A57 Snake Pass!
There will be more for rail in other areas but we can now be reasonably hopeful the wires will reach Nottingham and Derby.
1.5 cheers,
WAO