Boris details concerns over HS2 link

London mayor Boris Johnson has called on transport secretary Justine Greening to look again at proposals to use the capital’s rail network to link the High Speed 1 line (HS1) with the proposed HS2 route.

At a meeting in February, London Assembly member Navin Shah raised concerns over the effect on London Overground services posed by a junction involving the North London Line in the Camden Town area.

In his recently-published response, Johnson agreed that “the proposed connection between HS2 and HS1 is unacceptable and alternative options must be identified that do not adversely impact on London’s rail services”.

Mr Johnson said the proposed link between the HS1, which terminates at St Pancras International, and HS2, which will terminate at Euston, would largely use existing tracks and - under current proposals - would “adversely impact on London Overground capacity and performance”.

He said: “I have asked the secretary of state to consider alternative options which include more dedicated infrastructure for HS2 services.

“I am pleased that the secretary of state has acknowledged this issue and TfL will work closely with HS2 Ltd to examine all options.”

The answer is contained in the updated minutes to the meeting, and can be found here in Section 8.