HS2 Ltd's analysis identified the connection south of Crewe as having the strongest economic case and delivering the widest strategic benefits for a larger proportion of passengers. As well as enabling services to run to and between key markets of Crewe, Liverpool, Runcorn, Wigan and Warrington, it also offered the potential to serve Chester and North Wales (subject to electrification). A connection north of Crewe would have significant sustainability impacts, incur substantial infrastructure costs and mean that some of the above markets could not be served. For this reason, HS2 Ltd did not undertake a detailed assessment of this option. However, the proposed route is part of the Phase Two consultation which ends on 31 January 2014. The views we get during this consultation will play an important part in informing the Secretary of State's decision on final route, station and depot options by the end of 2014.