A NEW station for high-speed trains serving the East Midlands will be built in Toton, between Derby and Nottingham, it has been revealed.
The Government announced today that the second phase of the High Speed 2 rail link will run from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester.
It means new stations will be built in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, as well as at Toton Sidings, close to the M1 and A52.
The rail link will see passengers being able to travel from Toton to London in 51 minutes, to Sheffield in 17 minutes, to Birmingham in 19 minutes and to Leeds in 29 minutes once the line is opened in 19 years' time.
Business leaders in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire believe the line, which will carry trains capable of speeds up to 225mph, will bring economic benefits to the area.
And the Government says the £32bn project will create 100,000 jobs.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "This Government will do everything possible to ensure that Derby benefits by getting the connections it needs.
"HS2 will be woven into the transport fabric of the nation, accessible to all, including those in Derby, and I believe these proposed routes north of Birmingham offer a great starting point for the consultation process to follow."
The first phase involves creating a link between London and Birmingham. Construction will start in four years' time. The route will open in 13 years' time.
The second phase, which was announced today, will see lines from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester.
Transport connections around all high speed stations, particularly at non-city centre locations, such as Toton, will be enhanced.
The Government says the line will ensure the railway network can cope with increasing numbers of passengers and will free up capacity on existing lines for commuter and freight services.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "High Speed Rail is an engine for growth that will help to drive regional regeneration and invigorate our regional economies. It is vital that we get on board the high-speed revolution.
"We are in a global race and this Government's decision to make High Speed Rail a reality is another example of the action we're taking to equip Britain to compete.
"High Speed Rail is a catalyst that will help to secure economic prosperity across Britain, rebalance our economy and support tens of thousands of jobs."
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