Arup Suggests High-Speed Extension

Engineering group Arup is to meet the UK Government to propose extending the high-speed rail Channel Tunnel line from central London to Heathrow Airport.

The group, which was responsible for building the rail link from Kings Cross station in London to the Channel Tunnel, says the extension would see the airport become the first stop on an extended high-speed rail network.
Arup’s proposed station would also connect regional rail services on the Great Western Main Line to Heathrow, making the airport instantly more accessible to the west, south west, Wales and the Midlands.

The station would also provide direct train services between the Thames Gateway and the Thames Valley, the company said in a statement.

Airport operator BAA has expressed an interest in the rail links. Currently, just 22% of passengers arrive at Heathrow by rail, including the London Underground, in comparison to 65% who use cars.
The £4.5bn scheme, which was put forward to Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, is one of a number of proposals currently under consideration.

Earlier this year, The Daily Telegraph newspaper disclosed that Network Rail has drawn up its own proposals for a series of high-speed tracks, running parallel to the main rail arteries.