The Anonymous Widower

MP Calling For Borders Link To High-Speed Rail Network

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in the Southern Reporter.

My feeling is that I don’t think the MP should worry about this one.

Consider.

• When High Speed 2 opens to Crewe in 2027, London to Glasgow trains will take under four hours.
• The West Coast Main Line will be improved between Carlisle and Glasgow.
• Freight traffic between England and Scotland is increasing.
• A large freight interchange could be built at Longtown.
• Increased services between Liverpool/Manchester and Edinburgh/Glasgow are starting.
• Carlisle station is being refurbished.

All this will lead to more through traffic at Carlisle.

I would think it would be extremely likely, that the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Longtown will be improved substantially.

If this happens, then any extension of the Borders Railway will have a fast link to HS2 at Carlisle, from where it will probably join the West Coast Main Line in the Longtown area.

It should also be noted, that High Speed 2 is being designed to give benefits to as many places as possible.

A Borders Railway connected to Carlisle fits this strategy.

January 5, 2018 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Borders Railway, High Speed Two, West Coast Main Line