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   HS2
   This article is more than 3 years old

HS2 will cost five times as much as similar line in France, says report

   This article is more than 3 years old
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   An illustration of the planned Birmingham and Fazeley viaduct, part of
   the proposed HS2 route.

   [ ] An illustration of the planned Birmingham and Fazeley viaduct, part
   of the proposed HS2 route. Photograph: HS2/PA

   HS2 will cost more than five times the amount being spent on an
   equivalent high-speed rail line in France, a group of transport experts
   has claimed.

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   consultant Jonathan Tyler, found that the TGV line from Tours to
   Bordeaux, currently under construction in France, was costing £20m per
   kilometre, compared to £105m/km for HS2.

   It explained that the higher cost for HS2 was partly due to the need
   for extensive tunnelling in the Chilterns and the “complex plan” to
   develop London Euston.

   But HS2 Ltd, the company behind the planned link between London and the
   north, dismissed the comparison with France.

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   The French track has no new stations, it does not go through a dense
   built-up urban area, it does not have the tunnels that we are building
   on HS2 to protect the environment, and property prices are very low in
   comparison to the UK.

   “The net result is that it is cheaper, but we will use joint ventures
   including continental firms with experience of building high-speed rail
   and this will drive down our costs.”

   The academics say a “much fuller range of options” should have been
   considered to meet the objectives of HS2.

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   these options “objectively, transparently and dispassionately”.

   HS2 Ltd responded to the report by saying the scheme would have
   “significantly less” carbon emissions than cars and planes, while the
   speed of the trains meant it was designed to be compatible with future
   technological innovations.

   The first phase of HS2 is expected to be completed by around 2026 and
   will reduce journey times between London and Birmingham by 32 minutes.

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   England and beyond, is due to be completed by around 2032-33.
   Topics
     * HS2

     * Rail transport
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