Major new rail lines considered

Five new high-speed main lines crossing the length and breadth of the UK may be built as part of a review of the rail network, Network Rail says.

The network operator will announce on Monday it is to commission a study looking into what could be the largest track build since the 19th Century.

The study will consider laying new lines alongside five of the UK's busiest routes by 2025.

They include the East Coast main line and West Coast main line.

Record numbers

The review will also assess the need for high-speed trains similar to the French TGV to cope with Britain's growing number of rail users. ... Read full article