The HS2 route between Crewe and Manchester connecting the West Coast Mainline has been confirmed today.
The government has also given support to the 'concept of a new Hub Station' located on the site of Crewe's existing station and not the Basford site option which was also mooted.
HS2 Ltd and Network Rail will develop plans that could see seven HS2 trains call at Crewe station per hour creating the potential for both north and south high speed connectivity.
New plans unveiled today include an HS2 rolling stock depot north of Crewe which could see the creation of up to 150 jobs.
HS2 say it will 'significantly improve journey times, reliability and connectivity between the North West, the Midlands and London'.
Journey times between Crewe and London Euston will be shortened to 50 minutes.
The go-ahead of the 51-mile Phase 2b Western Leg route will provide the North West with a new high speed rail spine for trains travelling to new HS2 stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, and connections from Crewe.