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HS2 trains would link east and west across northern England under proposals for a fully integrated high-speed rail network.
That’s according to an article in The Times, which says plans have been submitted to a government-backed review that envisage running HS2 services through a tunnel under Manchester before crossing the Pennines to Bradford, Leeds, York and Newcastle.
It could cut billions off the cost of HS2 by allowing the government to cancel or defer the eastern leg of the north-south line between Birmingham, the East Midlands and Leeds in favour of upgrading existing lines.
A new station could also be built close to junction 20 of the M62 to serve Rochdale and Oldham.
It’s been revealed that 50 bids have been made to build or reopen lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts.
They’ve been made by MPs and local authorities as part of the second round of the Restoring Your Railway ‘Ideas Fund’.
Proposals for the restoration of lines and stations to re-connect communities will now be considered by an expert panel, including Network Rail Chair Sir Peter Hendy, with announcements regarding the successful schemes expected by the end of the summer.
Sir Adrian Montague will be joining Porterbrook as Chairman of the Board from tomorrow.
He recently retired as Chairman of Aviva PLC and is currently Chairman of Cadent Gas, Manchester Airports Group, and TheCityUK Leadership Council.
On his new role, Sir Adrian says Porterbrook has ambitious plans and he is keen to play his part in ensuring the company delivers for its customers, stakeholders and the travelling public.
Finally, and HS2 has revealed a recruitment drive for hundreds of new jobs.
The vacancies are for a broad range of disciplines, from engineering and project management to land and property, procurement and commercial.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson says the jobs are a welcome boost and provide the opportunity to play a crucial part in delivering a project to improve connectivity and levelling up the country.
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