HomeHigh Speed RailHS2 plans to be modified in support of high-speed service to Stoke-on-Trent

HS2 plans to be modified in support of high-speed service to Stoke-on-Trent

Listen to this article

A high-speed service could be becoming to Stoke-on-Trent after transport secretary Chris Grayling backed plans to extend a key platform at Crewe station.

HS2 Phase 2a plans from the West Midlands to Crewe will  be modified to extend Platform 5 at Crewe station by 400m. This will allow for the splitting and joining of HS2 services and will open up opportunities for HS2 to serve Stoke-on-Trent.

Other changes include a more efficient design for the proposed platform on the Manchester independent lines, incorporating a transfer deck to the main station, as well as a change to the design of the southern connection from HS2, so that HS2 joins and takes over the central two lines on the existing network.

Chris Grayling will ask the operator of the West Coast Partnership franchise to include a high-speed service to Stoke-on-Trent in its market development and service plans.


Like this story? Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on rail industry news


He added: “We have listened to people’s views on the Crewe Hub consultation, ensuring that the town’s proud history as an epicentre of rail journeys is set to continue, as it plays a vital role in delivering Britain’s future railway.

“It also builds on our earlier decision to bring the benefits of HS2 to Crewe from 2027 – 6 years earlier than originally planned – as well as allowing the benefits of a high-speed service to extend to Stoke-on-Trent.”

The Department for Transport said that, combined with a HS2 junction north of Crewe as part of Phase 2b, this could allow five to seven HS2 trains per hour to call at Crewe and improve connectivity on the lines from Crewe to Shrewsbury, Chester and Stoke-on-Trent.


Read more: Getting smart on safety


 

Recommended