The UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has confirmed that the government is committed to pressing ahead with HS2 to tackle the capacity crisis the rail network faces. Construction is due to begin on the scheme in the first half of next year.
“We need HS2 now more than ever. We’re facing a rapidly approaching crunch-point. … We need HS2 for the capacity it will bring on the routes between London, the West Midlands, Crewe, Leeds and Manchester as well as the space it’ll create elsewhere on our transport network,” Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said.
He also confirmed plans to make £70 million (EUR 77 million) of government funds available to support local communities and road safety along the route between London and the West Midlands. The £70 million is made of 3 separate funds: the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF); the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF), and the road safety fund.
The CEF will help enhance community facilities, improve access to the countryside and conserve the natural environment along the HS2 Phase One line of route, while the BLEF will support local economies in areas where businesses may experience disruption from the construction of HS2.
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