,

HS2 bill up to £88billion as completion date slips to 2040

by

By Ben Jones

HS2 Ltd has advised the Government the first phase of High Speed 2 to Birmingham could open five years later than planned in 2031, and the overall cost of the project could rise to £88billion.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.
An artist’s impression of the new Curzon Street terminus in Birmingham. 

Phase 2b to Manchester and Leeds has also been pushed back, with completion now expected in 2040 – seven years later than previously scheduled. 

HS2’s original plan was for a staged rollout from December 2026, starting with three trains per hour (tph) in each direction between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street, rising to 10tph between Euston and Birmingham a year later. 

A revised ‘soft opening’ of Phase 1 between Old Oak Common and Curzon Street in 2029 is now recommended by HS2 Ltd, with Euston, Birmingham and destinations further north on the West Coast Main Line following in 2031. 

Article continues below…
Advert

Read more in the October 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


About the Author