A £33bn high-speed rail network has been given the go-ahead by the government, despite strong opposition.
Phase one of HS2, between London and Birmingham, should be running by 2026, later extending to northern England.
The cost is predicted to be £33 billion pounds and phase 1 will not be completed until 2026 (if completed on schedule!)
Phase 1 will run from London to Birmingham running 140 miles.
Phase 2 will then extend to Manchester and Leeds which will completed approx 2033
Benefits, well experts say that the new infrastructure will bring new jobs, growth & prosperity to the sum of £47 billion, but these predictions have been heavily disputed by critics.
It is without a doubt a great project, and yes the UK does need to update it's infrastructure if it is to keep ahead of developing countries.
The government estimates that the project could eventually result in 9 million road journeys and 4.5 million journeys by plane instead being taken by train every year.
There had been almost 55,000 responses to the consultation process on the project, which clearly generates strong feelings, both in favour and against the scheme.
There is still a long way to go, the final consultation will not end until 2014, so will it still go ahead?
What's your thoughts?
