A decision about the first leg of the United Kingdom’s High Speed Two rail line (HS2) has been delayed. The news would have been announced in late 2011. Instead, Secretary for Transport Justine Greening has decided to postpone the decision until early 2012. Although the Department for Transport has not confirmed the news, several English newspapers have reported that Ms. Greening is considering the rail line’s effect on the Chilterns area of England, and possibly considering a tunnel.
Are They Building A Tunnel Or Not?
In the Birmingham Mail on December 7, Jonathan Walker reported in his story “HS2 decision is delayed” that the Department for Transport would not comment on whether a tunnel might be made through the Chilterns in order to reduce the effects of the rail line. However, Metro and The Bucks Herald reported in December that Ms. Greening has asked for a feasibility study about a 500 meter (1.5 miles) tunnel through the area.
A Brief Description of the Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty
Whether the tunnel is being considered or not, the latest issue about HS2 is the rail line’s impact on the hilly wooded countryside of the Chiltern Hills, an area that extends forty-five miles from the Thames in Oxfordshire, which is west of London, in a northeast direction to the county of Hertfordshire.
Also known as the Chilterns, the place has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1965. Attractions include chalk streams, a type of stream found only in northwest Europe; wooded areas for walking and hiking; commons; and farming. The area is also known for being a site for the reintroduction of the Red Kite bird, “one of the greatest conservation success stories of the 20th century,” according to the Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty website.
The Pros and Cons of HS2’s First Leg
Part of the first leg of HS2, from London to the West Midlands, would cut through the Chilterns. Opponents believe that the land will be destroyed, and that money designated for a tunnel should be applied toward improving current rail lines. Supporters are happy that a finished rail line would reduce the journey between London and West Midlands to a 49-minute ride, and may create new jobs.
The Controversy of HS2
The High Speed Two Rail Line has been a controversial subject for the citizens of the United Kingdom. Supporters of a blemish-free countryside are disagreeing with supporters of faster, more modern means of transportation. The Department for Transport has been listening to both sides, first under the leadership of Philip Hammond, who changed part of the route after considering the public’s concerns, and now under the leadership of Ms. Greening, who said in a statement on December 6 that she will make a “careful consideration of all relevant factors.”
Further reading:
Sources:
- The Bucks Herald. December 5, 2011. “Tunnel Idea Delays HS2 Decision and Angers Opponents.”
- Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty website.
- Metro. December 3, 2011. “HS2 Decision Delayed as Justine Greening Considers Chilterns Tunnel.”
- Nichols, Will. December 6, 2011. “Government Confirms Delay to HS2 Decision,” Business Green.
- Walker, Jonathan. December 7, 2011. “HS2 Decision is Delayed,” Birmingham Mail.
Christina Guerrero - Christina Guerrero is an American journalist and writer. Her published credits include 98 nonfiction print articles.
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