Plans are continuing to progress for the Crewe to Manchester leg of the HS2 high-speed rail link after the government introduced a second additional provision to the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill on 3rd July.
The provisions make a number of minor changes to the route of the railway through Cheshire East, following ongoing engagement with communities likely to be affected by the construction and running of HS2, as well as with other stakeholders. Proposed changes include the interactions between the route and motorway junctions, including at Junction 6 of the M56, and junctions 19 and 20a of the M6. Alterations to work has also been put forward to mitigate impacts on woodlands and sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) in Cheshire East.
In a statement to the House of Commons on 3rd July, Transport Secretary Huw Merriman set out the changes to Parliament, and set out how those affected can comment on the plans; he said:
“Delivery of a project on the scale of HS2 will inevitably cause disruption for local people and their communities. Those individuals who are directly and specially affected by today’s proposals can petition against the changes. The petitioning period will open tomorrow (4 July 2023) and continue until 15 August 2023.
“I have overseen extensive engagement with affected individuals and their communities by HS2 Ltd and I have written to elected representatives, such as parish councils and local authority leaders, as well as my colleagues with impacted constituencies in Parliament. Petitions will be heard by the specially appointed Select Committee. The Select Committee can make recommendations to address matters raised – it may amend the bill, it may ask for new bill powers, or it may require HS2 Limited to address a petitioner’s issues via other means.”
The changes to the route follow the announcement earlier this year that the Crewe to Manchester leg of HS2 was expected to be delayed as the government looks to mitigate the rising cost of the project. Additionally, the line will initially only run to Old Oak Common, rather than into Euston station in Central London, necessitating a change onto the Elizabeth Line to reach the city centre, with plans for HS2’s terminus in Manchester Piccadilly also downgraded.
Once complete, HS2 is set to cut journey times between London and North-west, as well as increase capacity on the local rail network for commuter and intercity travel within the region.