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Residents along the planned route of the HS2 leg from Crewe to Manchester have until 31st March to respond to a consultation on the plans.
The public are invited to respond to an Environmental Statement, including proposals to mitigate the environmental impacts of the new high speed rail link, and an Equality Impact Assessment, which explains measures to avoid or reduce impact on protected groups (as defined by the 2010 Equality Act). The two documents accompanied the Bill for the Crewe to Manchester HS2 extension that was submitted to Parliament in January.
Leonie Dubois, HS2’s Head of Consultation and Engagement said:
“Extending HS2 to Manchester will benefit towns and cities all the way up to Scotland, bringing the UK’s economic regions closer together and increasing capacity on the rail network.
“This will be the first new transport corridor constructed into Manchester since the 1970s, and alongside the benefits that HS2 brings, the network provides the vital infrastructure needed to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail, enhancing rail services, connectivity and economic growth for communities right across the North.”
The overall aim of the consultation is to ensure that Parliament is aware of the public’s views on the impacts of the scheme before they vote on the principle of the Bill at Second Reading. The Bill also sets out the route for the 52-mile stretch of high speed track, as well as associated infrastructure including provision for new Metrolink routes, onward connections to Scotland and the wider North-west and new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.
Construction of the Manchester extension will follow a clear aim of becoming the first major infrastructure project to deliver a net gain in biodiversity, as part of the Government’s promise to ‘Build Back Greener’ and leave the environment in a better position than before construction works start. Coupled with this commitment, HS2 will provide a cleaner alternative to long distance car journeys and domestic flights with its fleet of 54 trains, partly constructed in Crewe, all set to be powered by zero carbon energy.
Construction of the network is forecast to support 17,500 jobs, and even more local employment opportunities at the new rolling stock depot north of Crewe and Alstom train maintenance facility in the historic railway town.
For more information about the Bill and details of how to respond to the public consultation, visit the HS2 website.