Decision on South Yorkshire HS2 route set to be announced

A decision is expected on the route of HS2 through South Yorkshire today.

Two options are currently on the table. One that takes it by Meadowhall in Sheffield, and the 'preferred' option which goes through Aston, Bramley, Mexborough and the Dearne Valley.

The HS2 extension was to cut through the new 'Shimmer' housing estate in Mexbrough. Credit: PA

A government report released overnight says the project will create thousands of jobs and double capacity.

Speaking about the increased capacity, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Anyone travelling to work by train each day will know we desperately need extra capacity.

"Demand for rail travel is rocketing and our ageing infrastructure is struggling to cope.