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Philip Hammond has announced that the high speed rail network north of Birmingham will have two branches, connecting London and Birmingham separately to the East and West coasts.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this morning, the transport secretary confirmed the government would pursue the so-called ‘Y’ option over the single ‘S’ line which would have gone to Manchester and then turned across the Pennines to Leeds.
He said the high speed rail network would "change the social and economic geography of Britain".
"We will consult in the New Year on the strategic roll-out of a High Speed Rail network and on our preferred route for the first leg between London and Birmingham," he said.
"But I can announce today that the government’s preferred option for High Speed Rail north of Birmingham will be for two separate corridors.
"One direct to Manchester, and then connecting on to the West Coast Mainline, and the other via the East Midlands and South Yorkshire – with stations in both areas – before connecting to the East Coast Mainline north of Leeds. The so-called “Y” option.
"Giving us High Speed Rail connectivity – not just between London and Birmingham, but onwards to Leeds and Manchester. A strategic project that will make rail the mode of choice for most inter-city journeys within the UK, and for many beyond."
Hammond said the ‘Y’ option would lead to faster journey times to Leeds and the North East as well as enabling the lines to serve a greater number of stations.
The Department for Transport said it also had a stronger business case than the ‘S’ option, projected to generate £10bn more in revenue.
Nick Clegg has also issued a statement welcoming the decision, as it includes his constituency of Sheffield in the network.
"I'm delighted that we've managed to include Sheffield in the high speed rail route,” he said.
"It is a clear demonstration of this government's commitment to creating jobs and prosperity in the north.
"There are tough times ahead but there will be no return to the 1980s.
"The Coalition will invest in capital infrastructure like high speed rail and continue to ensure a fair deal for Sheffield."
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