Review could derail HS2 rail project which is set to see Doncaster homes demolished

An ‘independent and rigorous’ review will be carried into whether the HS2 rail link - which is set to plough through parts of Doncaster – should go ahead.
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The exercise will consider whether the £55bn project should still go ahead, or if changes need to be made to elements of the scheme.

Chaired by former Crossrail and HS2 chairman Douglas Oakervee, it will look at a number of areas concerning the project, including affordability, efficiency and deliverability.

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If completed, HS2 would connect London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow with up to 18 trains an hour at a top speed of 225mph.

An artist's impression of how HS2 could look An artist's impression of how HS2 could look
An artist's impression of how HS2 could look

It would also see a number of homes demolished on the Shimmer estate, Mexborough and parts of Hickleton.

But critics say the scheme is too expensive and environmentally damaging.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The prime minister has been clear that transport infrastructure has the potential to drive economic growth, redistribute opportunity and support towns and cities across the UK, but that investments must be subject to continuous assessment of their costs and benefits.

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“That’s why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous review of HS2.

“Douglas Oakervee and his expert panel will consider all the evidence available, and provide the department with clear advice on the future of the project.”

At the moment, the main construction work is due to begin later this year.

The first phase of the high-speed railway is currently scheduled to open between London and Birmingham in late 2026.

Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe is due to launch in 2027, followed by Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and Birmingham to Leeds, in 2033.