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The Strategic Case for HS2 published on 29 October 2013 sets out the business case
for proceeding with HS2. It shows that the Y-shaped network including the connections
to the West Coast Main Line at both Crewe and Golborne is expected to deliver around
£2.30 of benefits (including Wider Economic Impacts) for every £1 spent. The Department
has not estimated the case for the Y-shaped route for High Speed 2 without these connections.
However, HS2 Ltd examined the possibility of only linking High Speed 2 to the West
Coast Main Line at Crewe, and eliminating the junction at Golborne. They identified
significant constraints in the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe and additional
works would be required here as the line is intensively used by fast long-distance
services, slower stopping trains and freight, causing significant timetabling constraints.
Taking into account the levels of growth being experienced to date, both in terms
of passenger and freight traffic, the West Coast Main Line would not be able to cope
with the overall volume of services required. Therefore the section of line between
Winterbottom and Bamfurlong culminating in the Golborne connection is likely to offer
very high value for money when compared against the alternative connection at Crewe
and associated WCML modification work.
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