Guidance

Rail alternatives to HS2

Examining the case for conventional alternatives to HS2 and possible enhancements to the existing rail network.

Documents

Appraisal of rail alternatives to HS2

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Appendix A: possible enhancements to the existing rail network

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Details

The Atkin’s ‘Appraisal of rail alternatives to HS2’ study provides evidence to support the government’s consideration of the investment case for High Speed 2 (HS2). The report outlines the process through which packages of conventional rail alternatives were developed and explains in detail the final packages that have been considered as alternatives to HS2. A full economic appraisal of the alternatives is included in the report as well as an assessment against the capacity, connectivity and deliverability objectives for HS2.

Network Rail’s ‘Appendix A: possible enhancements to the existing rail network’ report is an appendix to the ‘Appraisal of rail alternatives to HS2’ report by Atkins and should be read alongside it. This is a technical document which describes at a high level infrastructure schemes which could provide capacity or connectivity enhancements to the existing rail network. The report informed the development of the packages of rail alternatives to HS2 that are presented in the Atkins report. This document also provides an overview of the disruption which could result from the implementation of these schemes.

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

Published 29 October 2013