UK announces new high speed rail line

The UK has just announced a new high speed rail line linking Birmingham to London. Two train lines already serve this route, but the new line to be built between 2016 and 2026 would cut journey times to 49 minutes over the 140km route. Trains on the route would travel at speeds up to 225mph. The scheme has come into some criticism, but it has been argued that the schemes 33 billion pounds costs will be outweighed by benefits of up to 47 billion pounds. As well as bringing economic benefits and easing congestion on roads and other railway lines, the new scheme should also bring environmental benefits.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16478954