Study into biggest track building scheme since the 19th centuryBy Jasper Hamill
Plans for five new high-speed main lines that could bring Scotland within three hours of major cities in England are to be considered as part of a review of the network's future, rail bosses have revealed.
Network Rail is to commission a study which would look into the feasibility of the multi-billion pound construction of the new lines along the UK's busiest routes in what would amount to the largest track build since the 19th century.
If given the go-ahead, the new lines are likely to run alongside some of the UK's busiest existing routes.
They include the West Coast line to Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, the East Coast line to Edinburgh, the Great Western to Bristol, the Midland main line to Sheffield and the Chiltern route to Birmingham. The London to Penzance line will also be looked at as part of the review.
The review, which will be announced tomorrow, will also assess the need for high speed trains similar to the French TGV to cope with the growing number of rail users.
The Scottish government welcomed the news. A spokesman said: "High speed rail links offer genuine opportunities to support and enhance sustainable economic growth both at a Scottish and UK level. Cross-Border rail links are of prime economic importance and they are critical in offering access and connections to other parts of the UK and to Europe."
Iain McMillan, director of the CBI in Scotland, said: "The exploration of a high speed line is something that we would very much support, but some work has been done in testing the viability of such links. If we are to grow the links, especially to London and the south-east, we really have to be thinking about new infrastructure."
Over the last decade the network has seen passenger numbers increase by about 40%. More people are using the service than at any time since 1946. Numbers are expected to swell by a further 30% in the next 10 years, adding to the burden on the current network.
The study will look at the service in the post-2014 period, with all options being considered. If the proposals are adopted, the new tracks are likely to be built with high-speed passenger trains in mind.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are looking at these five strategic routes. We are possibly looking at new lines. There is a huge case to be made for an expansion of the rail network. All options are on the table looking at how we address capacity issues."
Ashwin Kumar, passenger director of the independent watchdog for rail users Passenger Focus, said: "We welcome the study. It is extremely important the rail industry anticipates future growth."
Richard Dyer, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "Expanding Britain's railways by building new high speed lines is potentially very exciting and could play an important role in weaning Britain off fossil fuels and developing a low carbon economy.
"But the overall impact that this would have on local people and the environment must be carefully considered. The UK needs a modern, comprehensive and affordable rail network to provide a real alternative to cars, lorries and short-haul flights, and help cut Britain's contribution to global climate change.
"Our creaking rail system desperately requires huge investment to bring it into the 21st century."
The Scottish government said the economic benefits of tourism could also be spread more widely, to mutual advantage, if more of Scotland can be brought within three hours of major English cities.
The spokesman added: "The Scottish government believes a high speed rail link needs to be fully considered if we are to achieve a step change in long distance travel to promote mutually beneficial sustainable economic growth."
