6 | MANE RAIL & INFRASTRUCTURE | NOVEMBER 2018
HIGH SPEED
REALITY
Being built through a desire to form the backbone of the UK rail – the HS2 is an investment in Britain’s future. Set to create 30,000 jobs across the HS2 network from all levels and in several locations – it is billed as a catalyst for economic growth.
But what is HS2?
HS2 is a new high-speed railway system designed to travel between major UK cities in faster times than ever before. Connecting 25 stations up and down the UK from North to South, stretching from London, England to Edinburgh, Scotland with opportunities to grow the network further in the future. The aim to help bridge the gap of the North/South divide.
With the building of new train tracks, new paths, new stations and more trains to soon be on the HS2 lines – if listing pros and cons, the environment could be seen as one big con, especially in a world where people tend to lean to renewable energy and going green.
HS2 has considered this, and along the line stretching from London to the West Midlands will be one of the UKs largest ever infrastructure projects – the ‘green corridor’.
This consists of 216 kilometers that will feature:
• 7 million new trees, which will cover 9 square kilometres of land.
• Over 33 kilometres of new and existing upgraded wildlife habitat increasing existing space by approximately 30%.
• Tailor made houses for the wildlife including 226 new ponds, bat houses and more.
• Landscaping work will be re-using around 90% of the material excavated during construction.
• Potential to support and host community projects in the green areas and public spaces developed.
The main hub for the line will be Birmingham due to the cities location in the Midlands being fairly central to operations. The intercity changeover is due to be in the city as well as being one of few cities with more than one station.
TEASER VIDEO SHOWING THE PLANS FOR THE NEW HS2 GREEN CORRIDOR BEING CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN LONDON AND WEST MIDLANDS