The government is introducing an additional provision to the High Speed Rail bill today (3 July) which would see roadworks, motorway alignment, and altered utility works along the route from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly, which incorporates Stockport. 

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), changes include: 

• Realignment of the M56 junction 6
• Lane and slip road works at junctions 19 and 20a of the M6
• Relocation of the Palatine Road Vent Shaft to the former Hollies Convent School site near the Britannia Country House Hotel
• Altered utility works to avoid or mitigate impacts on 5 ancient woodlands and sites of special scientific interest
• Road works along the line of route between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly station to reduce congestion and increase road capacity during construction and operation
• Added areas of planting to mitigate impacts on the environment 

The DfT says: "These changes have been developed following engagement with individuals and businesses, requests from individuals affected by the route and further improvements to the route design to ensure that the best possible railway is built. […]

"Delivery of a project on the scale of HS2 will inevitably cause disruption for local people and their communities. Those individuals who are directly and specially affected by today's proposals can petition against the changes. 

"The petitioning period will open tomorrow (4 July) and continue until 15 August 2023."

HS2 services will arrive into Stockport in the next decade. 

When the services arrive, it will take 79 minutes to get to London directly on 'British-built, bullet-style trains'. 

This is 35 minutes quicker than the current fastest service. 

The first phase of HS2 will link Stockport with HS2's 'flagship' new Old Oak Common station on the outskirts of London. From here passengers have access to central London, Heathrow, and the West Country.

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