Plans for a new high-speed rail network running 250mph trains, have now been released by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis showing the recommended route for the new line between London and Birmingham with a future extension to northern England and Scotland. (see our story High-speed rail plans to be submitted to government 29 December 2009)

There will be public consultation on the proposed route, construction of which will probabally not start until a least 2017.

Network Rail last week (Thursday 11 March) reiterated its support for high-speed rail as the government published its command paper.

Chief executive, Iain Coucher said: "There is now a broad political consensus that Britain must have a high-speed rail future. High-speed is a vital part of a modern, dynamic economy. By slashing journey times, high-speed rail can drive economic growth and boost jobs. It would also take cars and lorries off the road, cut domestic flights and release capacity on the existing rail network; transforming services even for those communities not served directly by a high-speed line. It is the low-carbon, sustainable transport of the future."

"We will now analyse the white paper in detail to see how its proposals would expand the network. The railway is a system and we will work with government to understand how high-speed lines can be developed to make the best use of capacity of the entire network."
Network Rail said high-speed rail "can drive economic growth and boost jobs".

Lord Adonis told the House of Lords that the views of communities along the route would be particularly sought saying "Subject to this consultation, the London terminus for the high-speed line would be Euston, the Birmingham city centre station would be at Curzon Street, and there would be interchange stations with Crossrail west of Paddington and near Birmingham airport."

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