HS2 is in ‘very serious condition’, says boss
The new boss of the high-speed railway company has warned that the HS2 project is in a “very serious state” and needs a “fundamental reset”.
HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild said he was committed to ensuring the railway opened “safely and efficiently”.
His comments come after HS2 Ltd published an update outlining progress on construction of the 140-mile line between London and the West Midlands.
The government’s final estimate of the total cost for The remainder from Birmingham to London costs between £45bn and £54bn,
HS2 began as a Labor project announced in 2009. Since then it has been plagued by setbacks and rising costs.
Its original purpose was to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds; But there was a link between Birmingham and Manchester Canceled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak In October 2023.
The new plan is to build a high-speed link between Birmingham and London, with much work already completed on this section.
In its update on Monday, HS2 said 38 of the 55 miles of twin-bore tunnels had been excavated, and 58% of engineering work to prepare the ground for railway cuttings, embankments, stations and landscaping was complete. Already happened.
Work on construction of 158 out of 227 viaducts and bridges has also started.
The program employs more than 31,000 people, with 350 active construction sites.
“New railways deliver better journeys and they boost economic growth by stimulating investment in communities and businesses,” Mr Wild said.
“HS2 represents a significant investment in Britain’s future – and over the past month I have been inspired by the hugely impressive achievements of civil engineering taking shape along this route.”
Projects due to be completed in 2025 include the excavation of the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel in west London and the bore of the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel, both of which will take the line in and out of Birmingham.
