HS2 Phase 2b: Western Leg
The Western leg goes from Crewe to Manchester, connecting to the West Coast Main Line south of Wigan.
An artists impression of Crewe Railway Station entrance from Weston Road.
Following the conclusion of the Oakervee Review into HS2, the government has decided to proceed with legislation for the Western Leg of Phase 2b as a priority. As such, we intend to submit a hybrid Bill for the Western Leg in early 2022 or sooner if possible.
We have published updated plans for the Western Leg, which also show the work we need to carry out to the existing rail network to enable HS2 trains to serve stations including Glasgow, Liverpool, Wigan, Preston and Carlisle.
These changes are a result of ongoing design development and feedback received during previous consultations and engagement with stakeholders and communities.
There are a number of ways you can find out more:
Virtual exhibitions
Due to COVID-19 we are unable to hold community information events near to you, so we have published the information in a virtual exhibition room. This allows you to navigate around, read and interact with information boards about the works, leave your feedback and sign up to attend one of our online webinars.
Our virtual engagement room will replace local meetings until they are safe to resume.
Navigator Tool
The navigator presents an interactive map with updated plans for the Western Leg of HS2 Phase 2b. It also provides an alternative way of accessing information about the design refinement consultation.
You can also view all the newly published documents giving information about the Western Leg updates here:
The navigator shows updated plans as part of an interactive experience.
Webinars
We are holding a series of live webinars. These will give you a summary of the refinements we are consulting on and other information.
You can view the schedule of live webinars and register to join them on our events page.
Helpdesk
Our Helpdesk is available all day every day to answer your questions or put you in contact with a member of our team that can help.
People who are unable to access the internet can call our Helpdesk to request a copy of any published document (free of charge) or arrange a phone appointment.
Western Leg Design Refinement Consultation
On 7 October 2020, the Minister of State for Transport announced a consultation on 4 proposed changes to the design of Phase 2b. Find out more about the Western Leg Design Refinement Consultation.
The proposed changes for consultation are:
- the addition of Crewe Northern Connection and changes to the design of Crewe North Rolling Stock Depot;
- changes to the design of Manchester Airport High Speed station;
- changes to the design around Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station; and
- the introduction of a new train stabling facility at Annandale, in Dumfries and Galloway.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 11 December 2020.
Safeguarding
In order to ensure that land needed for HS2 is protected from conflicting development, safeguarding information has been updated for the Western Leg of Phase 2b. More information about this can be found in the HS2 safeguarding section on gov.uk.