Government asks that electrification of a 25km stretch of Midland Main Line be included within the next hybrid bill for HS2.

Rail tracks shutterstock 661939468

The Department for Transport has asked HS2 to begin preparatory works for the future electrification of a 25km stretch of the Midland Main Line.

Following the government’s announcement last summer that the preferred HS2 route would include a spur into Sheffield via Chesterfield, transport secretary Chris Grayling has asked that electrification of the Clay Cross to Sheffield Midland Station section of the Midland Main Line be included within the next hybrid bill for HS2.

A HS2 spokesperson said: “The benefits that HS2 will deliver are significant and should not be underestimated. The new railway will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain’s economy; driving business growth, creating jobs and securing investment right across the country.

“Ensuring the Midland Main Line is electrified between Clay Cross and Sheffield Midland Station will enable Chesterfield and the wider Sheffield city region to benefit from direct services on the new high speed trains.”

HS2 will conduct a series of land surveys, and a public consultation will be undertaken at a later date before any proposed legislation is brought to parliament, the DoT said.