Scrapping part of HS2 mean trains to Hythe could come back

The freight-only Totton to Hythe branch line will carry passenger trains for the first time since the 1960s if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

Last month Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped plans to extend the HS2 high-speed rail link northwards from Birmingham.

Mr Sunak has pledged that the £36bn saved by the decision will spent on other transport projects across the country, including new stations and reopened railway lines.

A new station will be built behind Hythe library if proposals to reopen the Waterside branch line are approved (Image: Network Rail)

Totton South and Marchwood county councillor David Harrison has spent years campaigning for passenger services on the Totton to Hythe line to be restored.

The Liberal Democrat said he asked about the future of the line when he met the leader of the county council, Cllr Rob Humby, and senior transport planners.

READ MORE: Residents back proposal to reopen New Forest rail route that closed to passengers in 1966

"The latest situation is that Network Rail are still working on the project, liaising with government. It would appear that the business case isn’t as strong as might be hoped."

But Cllr Harrison said council officers suggested that the scrapping of the HS2 extension "might make our local project more likely to be progressed".

Marchwood station will be upgraded and reopened to passengers if the rail route restoration plan is approved (Image: Network Rail)

Campaigners say reopening the Totton to Hythe line would ease the ever-increasing pressure on the A326 and other roads.

Fawley Waterside is planning to build 1,500 homes on the former site of Fawley power station. Other housing projects in the Waterside area are also in the pipeline.

READ MORE: Fawley Waterside backs public consultation on future of Totton to Hythe branch line

Cllr Harrison said: "I have always believed there is a very strong case for reinstating the rail passenger service.

"Almost all the infrastructure is in place. The population has grown and will do so in the future. Most people are sick and tired of congested local roads and the consequential air quality issues.

The line has been used by freight trains since it closed to passengers, which means almost all the infrastructure is still in place (Image: Newsquest.)

“It is very hard to get any clue from the government as to whether they will decide to support the project.

"I guess the decision to scrap the HS2 extension makes it more likely the project will be given the green light. 

"I suspect they will keep their cards close to their chest in order to make a big announcement if they decide to go ahead."

Last year a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for moves to reopen the line.

Residents were given an opportunity to learn more about the proposals, which include upgrades to Marchwood station and a new transport hub at Hythe.

Network Rail said 84 per cent of people who registered their opinion backed the idea of commuter trains returning to the route.