Strategic alternatives to HS2 Phase 2b

High Speed 2 (HS2) is a new high speed rail network being developed and promoted by HS2 Ltd. Tasked with delivering economic growth, transformational connectivity improvements, journey time reductions and capacity enhancements, the scheme as proposed by HS2 Ltd involves developing a Y shaped network, connecting eight of the ten largest cities in Britain. As proposed it involves three phases: Phase 1, Phase 2a and Phase 2b.

Phase 1 and 2a together build a new high speed line between London and Crewe as well as Birmingham. HS2 Phase 2b is the final phase of the Y-network of the HS2 Ltd scheme. It involves completing the western leg up to Manchester and Golborne from Crewe and the eastern leg via the East Midlands to Leeds and Colton Junction.

In line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance, alternatives to the proposed investment must be considered before a formal decision is made. For these assessments, the alternatives are focussed on providing similar outputs to HS2 Phase 2b in terms of benefits, journey times and capacity by using more elements of an improved existing rail network. In total five different options were to be developed, tested and appraised. Strategic Alternatives to Phase 2b specifically referred to alternatives to the final stage of the project.

Atkins have a long history supporting the Department for Transport with Strategic Alternative assessments. Firstly in 2013, Atkins provided an assessment of alternatives to HS2 in total. In 2015 this was followed by an assessment of the alternatives to HS2 Phase 2a which included an extension to Crewe, and in 2016 Atkins were commissioned to deliver an assessment of the alternatives to HS2 Phase 2b.

Atkins were remitted to develop and appraise possible rail alternatives to HS2 Phase 2b, updating our previous work in 2013 to take account of changes to the baseline. The analysis was multifaceted and wide reaching, encompassing elements of rail operations, appraisal, cost estimating, network assessment and wider rail considerations. Throughout the project, Atkins engaged with and operated alongside key stakeholders of Network Rail and DfT to develop a realistic, appropriate and deliverable alternative to HS2 Phase 2b.

Our talented team undertook the following as part of the specification process:

development of strategic options for serving HS2 destinations via other routes;
continued liaison and undertaking of workshops with stakeholders such as Network Rail and DfT;
developed train service specifications for the different options with accompanying high-quality diagrams; and,
used extensive industry knowledge and experience to identify appropriate enabling schemes.

For the analysis of the specified options, Atkins developed the following:

subcontracting agreements to deliver technical excellence on the establishing of some of the schemes;
an approach and method for calculating the journey times of the alternative options;
a model to calculate the required rolling stock to run each option;
inputted train service specifications into the PLANET Framework Model (PFM) to test the impact of the alternative service patterns;
approaches for taking into account wider strategic impacts of the options including network and rolling stock capacity; punctuality and reliability, disruption and the environment; • developed detailed cost estimates of the schemes using industry standard approaches through collaborative working with Faithful and Gould; and,
an appraisal model to take into account the outputs from the capital costs, operating costs and PFM model.

Using this base, Atkins delivered the following:

a flexible, agile and resilient project team to deliver quality results against tight deadlines;
a comprehensive list of schemes considered necessary to deliver each alternative option;
detailed cost estimates for each option, in terms of operating, rolling stock and capital costs;
an assessment of the outputs from PFM for each option, including the economic and wider economic benefits;
regular and ongoing stakeholder relations to reflect processes within Network Rail and DfT;
a technical assessment of the impact of the options on network capacity, on-train capacity, punctuality and reliability, disruption and the environment;
an appraisal of each option incorporating costs and benefits; and,
a comprehensive summary report for publishing as part of the HS2 Phase 2b document suite, released in November 2016.

Client: Department for Transport

Value of services: £0.3 m

Duration: 6 months

List #1

Our articles

Pinkish colourful sunrise over Sydney city CBD on waterfront of Harbour around Circular quay with major architectural landmarks and symbols of Australia.

Unveiling the SNC-Lavalin to AtkinsRéalis Australia rebrand

Preview

Australia

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/24/2024

Summary

In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp

Preview

Let's explore why Australia stands out as the perfect career destination for engineering professionals.

Engineering net zero

electrical engineer - Double exposure of Engineer or Technician man working with tablet in switch gear electrical room of oil and gas platform or plant industrial for monitor process, business and industry concept

Exploring Electrical Engineer jobs in Mumbai with AtkinsRealis

Preview

India

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/23/2024

Summary

As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk

Preview

Join us as we delve into the electrifying world of electrical engineering.

Engineering net zero

Why I started my civil engineering career working in sewerage

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/22/2024

Summary

Hi there! I'm Paul, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience specializing in networks and drainage engineering. My role at AtkinsRéalis spans managing projects, directing major initia

Preview

#EngineeringBetter: Choose from inspiring civil engineering jobs in water management

Shailaja Mantha

Water

REAL civil engineering life in our Networks & Drainage team

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/22/2024

Summary

Meet Paul, a talented civil engineer in water management whose career journey is as inspiring as impressive. Starting at AtkinsRéalis, fresh out of university in 1997, Paul quickly distinguish

Preview

What's professional growth and life balance like for civil engineers in our wastewater team?

Shailaja Mantha

Water

Unlock NEOM careers with AtkinsRéalis

Preview

Middle East

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/18/2024

Summary

In the vast expanse of the Saudi Arabian landscape, you’ll find a beacon of innovation, a vision for a better, greener tomorrow. NEOM sits in the heart of the Tabuk province and isn’t just anothe

Preview

NEOM sits in the heart of the Tabuk province and isn’t just another city.

Young male engineer working on construction site wearing ear protectors

What does it take to be an effective civil engineer in Hong Kong?

Preview

Asia

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/18/2024

Summary

As a global metropolis, Hong Kong has long been a fantastic place to be a civil engineer. With world-class infrastructure all around, effective civil engineers have many opportunities to be a

Preview

Here are a few strategies that professionals new to the industry can deploy to be effective civil engineers in Hong Kong.

Embracing motherhood and career: Srijana's journey with AtkinsRéalis

Preview

Australia

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/18/2024

Summary

In January 2024, Srijana embarked on a new chapter in her engineering career, joining AtkinsRealis as a Chartered Structural Engineer. With six years of experience on a wide variety of projects, Sr

Preview

Learn about our commitment to flexibility with Srijana's career story.

A lit up Saudi Arabian castle in the evening, with the night sky in the background and palm trees at the front

What is the New Murabba project in Saudi Arabia?

Preview

Middle East

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/16/2024

Summary

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), you’ll find an awe-inspiring and profoundly transformative endeavor that encapsulates innovation, sustainability, and the unparalleled proficiency of AtkinsRéa

Preview

Learn about the innovative New Murabba project in Saudi Arabia.

7 reasons mechanical engineers won't leave AtkinsRéalis

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/11/2024

Summary

Hello, I'm Ben, Mechanical Team Lead in the Decommissioning & Waste Services team. My journey at AtkinsRéalis, from a graduate to a team lead, has been inspired by my belief that we can "engin

Preview

#MakeItBrilliant: Exciting opportunities in mechanical engineering and nuclear power careers

Shailaja Mantha

Nuclear

Nuclear professional in modern factory using laptop controlling program to automatic machinery.

How to land a nuclear engineering job without nuclear experience

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/04/2024

Summary

Welcome to the dynamic world of nuclear engineering – where innovation meets sustainability. We unveil the pathway to landing a nuclear engineering job, even without prior experience in the nuclea

Preview

Explore exciting opportunities in nuclear with AtkinsRéalis.

Nuclear

Building the Future Together: The DEWA Headquarters Project

Preview

Middle East

Content type

Projects

Publish date

04/04/2024

Summary

The AtkinsRéalis team, in a commendable collaboration with the site team, United Engineering Construction (UNEC), and its subcontractors, has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, making

Preview

Discover how the AtkinsRéalis team is spearheading the evolution of net-zero energy buildings.

Breaking New Ground: Celebrating the Exceptional Women of AtkinsRéalis

Preview

Middle East

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

04/04/2024

Summary

In the world of construction and development, where innovation meets hard work under the towering silhouettes of our projects, the role of women has been historically underrepresented. However, the

Preview

The inspiring story of Farida Farag, a beacon of leadership and innovation at AtkinsRéalis.

View all

Insights Strategic alternatives to HS2 Phase 2b

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Insights Strategic alternatives to HS2 Phase 2b

Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis

Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests