Two lines for high-speed rail network in the UK

The British government intends to build two branches to the planned new £33 billion high-speed rail network north of Birmingham, according to transport secretary Philip Hammond.

Separate lines will provide services between Birmingham and Manchester and between Birmingham and Leeds, the latter cutting through the East Midlands.

They will then link up with the existing west coast and east coast mainlines respectively, cutting journey times between London and both Edinburgh and Glasgow to three-and-a-half hours.

The cost of the network, which will start in London, is estimated at about £33 billion, although more detailed cost analysis is to be undertaken next year, as is a consultation on the plans.

The cost includes linking up the new network with Heathrow airport and the existing high-speed rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel. Construction is expected to start in 2015.