HS2 Hunslet viaduct plans could be back on table after masterplan given green light

Speaking on Tuesday, Boris Johnson confirmed that the HS2 high-speed rail project would go ahead.

In its current form, the Leeds section of the route could see a giant viaduct built in Hunslet to accommodate HS2.

As part of works for a proposed HS2 line into the city, the government was last year consulting on a change which would involve a viaduct between Woodlesford and Leeds which could be up to 32 metres wide.

The plans would see the height of the route into Leeds changed, with an extra 8km of track being placed on a viaduct.

In a response drafted by Leeds City Council officers, the authority said it couldn't support the proposals without more information.

The proposed change would see the Woodlesford tunnel shortened so that it emerges closer to Woodlesford.

The route then climbs onto a viaduct through the northern edge of Rothwell Country Park and over the M1 and Hallam line into Stourton.

It would be constructed on an embankment for 400 metres between Pontefract Road and the connection into the Rolling Stock Depot to the north of the river.

The route then continues on a viaduct for 3.3km into Leeds Station crossing above the highway network, with a typical clearance of 5.7 miles from the road to the underside of the viaduct.

Previous plans had the line running mainly on ground level through tunnels and embankments, as well as a short viaduct over the River Aire.

Meanwhile, campaigners in Wakefield said the Prime Minister has ‘missed an opportunity’ to deliver for people in the Wakefield district as HS2 was given the seal of approval.#

Critics say it will devastate the countryside and offer minimal benefit to Wakefield.

Jonathan Pile, from Crofton Against HS2, said the project was being rushed through.

He said: “The Prime Minister needs a real plan before he approves it. He is trying to save money by speeding up the project and it smacks of having his cake and eating it.

“He has missed an opportunity. He should come to Wakefield and we can educate him in how much we don’t want HS2 but we do want better transport.

“Hopefully common sense will prevail and our communities will be protected.”

An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said: “Following a six month Review, both the Government and the Review panel have given clear backing to building Britain’s new, low carbon railway.

"This decision is supported by MPs, civic leaders and business groups across the north and midlands.

"They all recognise that HS2 is vital to relieve the pressure on our railways, rebalance the economy and inject investment and jobs into regions such as Yorkshire.”