The parliamentary bill for phase 2A of HS2, the extension from West Midlands to Crewe, has been given Royal Assent. Parliament’s approval for this new phase of HS2 plugs the line into one of the country’s principal rail hubs in Crewe. It also means the 58km (36miles) route will be built earlier than originally planned, enabling towns and cities across north western England, north Wales and Scotland to benefit sooner, with the opening now planned to coincide with Phase One between London and the West Midlands.
HS2 is set to deliver another major economic boost to UK PLC, by supporting around 5,000 jobs to build Phase 2a, with many more in the supply chain. Many workers involved in the project will be self-employed contractors. In addition, the railway will support 140 permanent jobs at its maintenance base near Stone in Staffordshire. At least 5,000 jobs will be supported by the new phase, with many more in the supply chain as business and contract opportunities become available, helping the economy recover from the pandemic.
