High speed trains between London and York could be routed via Nottingham if a plan to connect the eastern leg of HS2 to the East Coast Mainline went ahead.
It’s one of the ideas set out in a government-commissioned document, one of four being considered following plans, announced in November, to terminate the eastern leg at East Midlands Parkway.
BBC East Midlands reports that a new line would be built from the Nottingham area to link up with the line to York and Edinburgh at Newark.
The document, named Strategic Alternatives to High Speed 2, was commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Under this proposal the main HS2 route to Leeds, York and the North East would be via the new bypass at Newark. With trains continuing to the new rebuilt Euston terminus in London.
It would also be the cheapest option but there would be compromises as it wouldn’t serve Sheffield.
A DfT spokesperson said told BBC East Midlands:
“The Integrated Rail Plan set aside £100m to look at the most effective ways to take HS2 trains to Leeds (and further north) and further work will be carried out to assess the best options.
“We recognise the Newark Alignment as one viable option as per the report.
“We’re getting on with this work and will publish the terms of reference shortly and we continue to work closely with local stakeholders and local authorities on this work.”
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