The government has confirmed that the HS2 route from the West Midlands to Crewe is set to open six years earlier than originally planned. 

A final decision on the route, which starts in Fradley, Staffordshire, was announced yesterday (November 30th). 

It is now intended that the line will open in 2027, instead of 2033 - and transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin issued safeguarding directions for Phase 2a of HS2 as part of the announcement. 

This comes in the wake of public responses to the November 2014 consultation on safeguarding this section of the route. 

"Confirming that the route from the West Midlands to Crewe will open six years early is a major boost for the Midlands, Northern Powerhouse and beyond," Mr McLoughlin commented, adding that HS2 will help rebalance the economy through additional rail network space, as well as through job creation and business support.