Policy paper

HS2: strategic case

Sets out strategic reasons for building HS2; the new north to south high speed rail line between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Documents

The strategic case for HS2

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The strategic case for HS2: clarifications

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Details

‘The strategic case for HS2’ explains why the government has concluded that HS2 is the best way to meet the challenge of an increasingly overcrowded transport network.

It shows how HS2 will transform inter-city travel, radically improve commuter services into London and our other major cities; increase the amount of freight carried by rail as well as supporting economic growth and making a major contribution to rebalancing the economy.

For a straighforward overview of the strategic case for HS2, read our Investing in Britain’s future: why we need HS2 leaflet.

Related information about the strategic case for HS2 is also available on GOV.UK.

Clarifications

This table features clarifications regarding ‘The strategic case’ document.

Printed document Clarification Reason
Figure 8 on page 20 and figure 3.1 on page 68 (footnotes 29 and124) show the source as the Department for Transport and Atkins Figure 8 on page 20 and figure 3.1 on page 68 (footnotes 29 and125) should show the source as the Department for Transport and Steer Davies Gleave The source quoted for these figures was incorrect
Figure 9 on page 22 has the text “These options provide a limited capacity” This text should not have appeared This text is incorrect and does not refer to these graphs
Figure 6.1 on page 127 (footnote 185) – the source is listed as Atkins and HS2 Ltd Figure 6.1 (footnote 185) – the source should be Steer Davies Gleave and HS2 Ltd The source quoted for this figure was incorrect
Table 6.7 on p136 shows the HS2 Phase One cost as £21.4 billion and HS2 both Phases cost as £42.6 billion HS2 Phase One cost should show £19.4 billion and HS2 Both Phases cost should show £38.4 billion The figures should be as in Figure 6.6
Published 29 October 2013