Support for the second high-speed rail line (HS-2) in the UK is growing with the Arup plan gaining the backing of the official Opposition, the Conservative Party.
The consultant confirmed funding talks were ongoing despite the credit crunch.
HS-2 would be a step to turn Heathrow Airport into more a multi-mode transport hub for non-London through travel. The Conservatives would support the ‘innovative proposal’ if it is in government.
Proposals for HS-2 envisage up to 48km of tunnel excavation in twin tubes across north London. The link could be 7.5m i.d., It is hoped the £4.5bn (US$8bn) link could be built by 2019 (T&TI, September, p10).
Arup said early political support is vital to build the project. Such support was key to the first high-speed link (HS-1, which opened fully a year ago.
