The high-speed rail company’s new boss has warned that the HS2 project is in a “very serious situation” and needs a “fundamental overhaul”.
Mark Wild, chief executive of HS2 Limited, said he was committed to ensuring the railway opened “safely and efficiently”.
His comments come after HS2 Limited published a progress map of the construction of the 140-mile line between London and the West Midlands.
Final estimate of total cost by Govt The remainder from Birmingham to London is between £45bn and £54bn..
HS2 began as a Labor project, announced in 2009. Since then it has been plagued by failures and rising costs.
Its original purpose was to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. But there was a connection between Birmingham and Manchester. Prime Minister Rishi Sanak ended. In October 2023.
The new plan is for a high-speed link between Birmingham and London, much of which has already been 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 engineering works to prepare land for railway cuttings, embankments, stations and landscaping. Percentage of work completed.
Work has also started on the construction of 158 out of 227 viaducts and bridges.
The program employs more than 31,000 people, with 350 active construction sites.
“New railways provide 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 most impressive feats of civil engineering taking shape along the route.”
Plans to be completed in 2025 include the excavation of the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel in west London and both bores of the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel, which will carry the line in and out of Birmingham.