LASER technology will be used to cut train delays on the new HS2 route – and the line is being tipped to ease congestion in Warrington.

In a UK first, rail infrastructure monitoring equipment – including high-speed video, lasers and acoustic sensors – will be fitted to passenger trains to assess the condition of a line’s rail and overhead power cables.

By constantly assessing track data HS2 engineers will be able to plan, schedule and carry out maintenance before a fault affects services.

HS2’s asset management director Mark Morris said: “We’re aiming for outstanding punctuality with the ability to predict infrastructure issues before they occur.

“If there are delays, they will only be counted in seconds.

“HS2 trains will operate with three types of equipment: acoustic sensors will listen to wheels running on rails, lasers will monitor the precise distance between the left and right rail and high-speed video technology will monitor the condition of the overhead powerline.

“Combining this information will create a full picture of the infrastructure’s condition, enabling us to identify any patterns that deviate from our stringent standards.

“Irregularities will receive a scheduled investigation and will be resolved well before passengers notice a change in ride quality.

“It will be the international benchmark for railway reliability so that in the future when you think of the country that offers utter railway punctuality, the UK – and not Japan or Switzerland – will come to mind.”

HS2 Ltd reaffirmed the £55.7 billion project is due to be completed in 2033.

Concerns have been raised over part of the route spelling ‘disaster’ for Culcheth and Croft due to the proposed permanent closure of Wigshaw Lane.

But Leonie Dubois, head of consultation and engagement for phase two, confirmed the firm is looking at options for Wigshaw Lane in line with feedback from residents.

She also tipped the line to ease congestion in the town due to residents opting to travel via train, rather than their cars.

The construction of the phase one route between Birmingham and London is well under way, with 7,000 jobs supported through the project so far.

A public consultation event on phase 2b, which includes the Golborne link, takes place at Culcheth Sports Club on November 28, from 2pm to 8pm.