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Green Signals

6. Why scrapping HS2's 36 miles from Birmingham to Crewe is utter madness!

Nov 15, 2023
01:14:57
Snipd AI
In this episode, Nigel and Richard speak with Andrew McNaughton, former HS2 Technical Director, and one of its first two employees. They discuss the reasons behind HS2's alignment, speed, and capacity, emphasizing the importance of fighting for Phase 2A. The hosts also touch on the King's Speech, express concerns about the slow progress of the project, and discuss the implications of scrapping HS2 North. They highlight the need for factual correctness in salvaging the environment and share exciting news about future plans and a new team member.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • HS2 was designed to accommodate high train capacity, considering future growth and economic benefits.
  • The increase in costs for HS2 can be attributed to constant design changes and risk allocation decisions.

Deep dives

Designing HS2 for Capacity and Future Growth

HS2 was designed to accommodate a high number of trains per hour and provide capacity for multiple cities to be served. The design considered the future growth of transportation needs and the economic and social benefits of connecting more people. The cost implications of design choices, such as the use of concrete slab track and tunnel construction, were carefully considered for long-term cost effectiveness and maintenance. The focus on capacity and reliability was emphasized, ensuring that the railway is built to withstand climate change and provide a sustainable transport solution.

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