High Speed Rail Network Plans Announced

Proposals have been published by the Government's Transport Secretary, Lord Adonis, about a High Speed rail link from London's Euston station to Birmingham, with construction commencing in 2017 after the completion of the Crossrail project.

The Government say that the proposal will now be the subject of debate and public consultation commencing in the autumn of 2010, but this is of course subject to a General Election falling in that period. Any decision would then be taken in 2011.

The proposals may affect South Bucks in two ways - first the route of the main line which is set out in its preferred form on map number 03100 and 03105 on the link below. Second on the issue of whether an intersection serving Heathrow Airport should be in the form of a new station at or near Heathrow or via a link from the main Crossrail line. This issue will be the subject of a further report.

• Department of Transport (Opens new window to external site)