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{{short description|High-speed rail project in England}}
{{redirect|HS2}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name = High Speed 2
| color = Red
| logo = High Speed 2 logo.svg
| logo_width = 115
| image = High Speed 2 map 2023.png
| image_width =
| caption = The planned extent of HS2 as of October 2023
| type = [[High-speed rail]]way
| system = [[National Rail]]
| status = Under construction
| locale = {{Unbulleted list | [[Greater London]] | [[South East England]] | [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]] }}
| start = {{rws|London Euston}}
| end = {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}}
| connectinglines = [[West Coast Main Line]]
| stations = 4
| linelength = {{cvt|140|mi|disp=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |title=What is HS2 |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/what-is-hs2/ |url-status=live |publisher=HS2 |access-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219205351/https://www.hs2.org.uk/what-is-hs2/ |archive-date=19 February 2020}}</ref>
| tracks = [[Double track]]
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
| owner =
| character =
| gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| load_gauge = [[Loading gauge#European standards|UIC GC]]
| electrification = {{25 kV 50 Hz AC}} [[overhead line]]
| speed = {{convert|360|kph|round=5|abbr=on}} maximum, {{convert|330|kph|round=5|abbr=on}} routinely<ref name="FBC">{{cite web |title=HS2 Phase One full business case |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-one-full-business-case |website=DfT |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419044453/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-one-full-business-case |archive-date=19 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| elevation =
| website = {{Official URL}}
| yearcommenced = 2017
| planopen = Uncertain (originally 2033)<ref name="o866">{{cite web | last=Marsh | first=Nick | last2=Race | first2=Michael | title=HS2 line to be delayed again with no new date given | website=BBC | date=2025-06-17 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0wr7nw7wxo | access-date=2025-06-18}}</ref><ref name="l507">{{cite web | title=UK says troubled HS2 rail link to be delayed beyond 2033 | website=Reuters | date=2025-06-18 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-say-opening-troubled-hs2-rail-link-delayed-bbc-reports-2025-06-18/ | access-date=2025-06-18}}</ref>
| map = {{High Speed 2 RDT|inline=yes}}
| map_state = collapsed
| map_name = Schematic map
}}
'''High Speed 2''' ('''HS2''') is a [[high-speed rail]]way which has been under construction in England since 2019. The line's planned route is between [[Handsacre]] – in southern [[Staffordshire]] – and [[London]], with a [[Spur line|branch]] to [[Birmingham]]. HS2 is to be Britain's second purpose-built [[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom|high-speed railway]] (after [[High Speed 1]], the London-to-[[Channel Tunnel]] link). London and Birmingham are to be served directly by new high-speed track. Services to [[Glasgow]], [[Liverpool]] and [[Manchester]] are to use a mix of new high-speed track and the existing [[West Coast Main Line]]. The majority of the project was planned to be completed by 2033; however, in 2025, the completion date was announced to be further delayed by [[Secretary of State for Transport|transport secretary]] [[Heidi Alexander]].
The new track is planned between [[London Euston]] and Handsacre, near [[Lichfield]] in southern Staffordshire, where a junction connects HS2 to the north-south West Coast Main Line. New stations are planned for [[Old Oak Common railway station|Old Oak Common]] in northwest London, [[Birmingham Interchange]] near [[Solihull]], and [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Birmingham city centre]]. [[HS2 rolling stock|The trains]] are being designed to reach a maximum speed of {{cvt|360|km/h}} when operating on HS2 track, dropping to {{cvt|125|mph|disp=flip|sigfig=2}} on conventional track.
The length of the planned new track has been reduced substantially since the first announcement in 2013. The scheme was originally to split into eastern and western branches north of Birmingham Interchange. The eastern branch would have connected to the [[Midland Main Line]] at [[Clay Cross]] in [[Derbyshire]] and the [[East Coast Main Line]] south of [[York]], with a branch to a terminus in [[Leeds]]. The western branch would have had connections to the West Coast Main Line at Crewe and south of [[Wigan]], branching to a terminus in Manchester. Between November 2021 and October 2023 the project was progressively cut until only the London to Handsacre and Birmingham section remained.
The project has both [[List of support for High Speed 2|supporters]] and [[List of opposition to High Speed 2|opponents]]. Supporters believe that the additional capacity provided will accommodate passenger numbers rising to pre-[[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19]] levels while driving a further [[modal shift]] to rail. Opponents believe that the project is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable.
{{TOC limit|5}}
==History==
{{main|History of High Speed 2}}
{{See also|High-speed rail in the United Kingdom}}
[[File:High Speed 2 phases map 2023.png|thumb|250px|Original HS2 'Y' plan illustrating previously planned phases]]
In 2003 modern [[high-speed rail]] arrived in the United Kingdom with the opening of the first part of [[High Speed 1]] (HS1), then known as the {{convert|67|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Channel Tunnel Rail Link between London and the [[Channel Tunnel]]. In 2009 the [[Department for Transport]] (DfT) under the [[Brown ministry]] proposed to assess the case for a second high-speed line, which was to be developed by a new company, [[High Speed Two Limited]] (HS2 Ltd).<ref>{{cite book |title=Britain's Transport Infrastructure High Speed Two |date=January 2009 |publisher=DfT |isbn=978-1-906581-80-0 |page=5 |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedtwo/highspeedtwo.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100203063942/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedtwo/highspeedtwo.pdf |archive-date=3 February 2010|access-date=17 December 2017|ref=DfT2009}}</ref>
In December 2010, following a review by the [[Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2010/11/29-transport-secretary-unveils-hs2-tunnel.html |newspaper=[[Railnews]] |___location=Stevenage, UK |title=Transport secretary unveils HS2 compensation plan |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206002811/http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2010/11/29-transport-secretary-unveils-hs2-tunnel.html |archive-date=6 December 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> a route was proposed, subject to public consultation,<ref name="bbc20decroute">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12035524 |title=London-to-Birmingham high speed train route announced |date=20 December 2010 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410033523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12035524 |archive-date=10 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/redrawn-high-speed-rail-plan-unveiled |title='Redrawn' high speed rail plan unveiled |date=20 December 2010 |work=[[Channel 4 News]] |access-date=21 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222170153/http://www.channel4.com/news/redrawn-high-speed-rail-plan-unveiled |archive-date= 22 December 2010 |url-status= live}}</ref> based on a Y-shaped route from London to [[Birmingham]] with branches to [[Leeds]] and [[Manchester]], as originally put forward by the previous Labour government,<ref>{{cite web |title=High Speed Rail – Oral Answers to Questions – Education – House of Commons debates |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-12-20a.1201.0&m=40274 |url-status=live |at=question to the Minister by [[Maria Eagle]], shadow secretary for Transport, 1st para |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707044503/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-12-20a.1201.0&m=40274 |archive-date=7 July 2017}}</ref> with alterations designed to minimise the visual, noise, and other environmental impacts of the line.<ref name="bbc20decroute"/>
In January 2012 the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] announced that HS2 would go ahead in two phases and the legislative process would be achieved through two [[hybrid bill]]s.<ref name="govannouncement">{{cite web|date=10 January 2012|title=Britain to have new national high-speed rail network|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britain-to-have-new-national-high-speed-rail-network|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105065214/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britain-to-have-new-national-high-speed-rail-network|archive-date=5 January 2016|access-date=27 December 2015|website=gov.uk}}</ref><ref name="TransSelect">[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmtran/1185/1185.pdf Transport Select Committee HS2 Report – House of Commons, November 2011] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709175614/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmtran/1185/1185.pdf |date=9 July 2017}}. Retrieved 1 July 2012</ref> The [[High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017]], authorising the construction of Phase 1, passed both Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent in February 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/hs2-hybrid-bill-gets-royal-assent/|title=HS2 Hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent|date=23 February 2017|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728222423/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/hs2-hybrid-bill-gets-royal-assent/|archive-date=28 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A Phase 2a [[High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Act 2021|High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill]], seeking the power to construct Phase 2 as far as Crewe and to make decisions on the remainder of the Phase 2b route, was introduced in July 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Oral statement to Parliament, HS2 update: Phase 2a and Phase 2b|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hs2-update-phase-2a-and-phase-2b|access-date=17 December 2017|publisher=GOV.UK|date=18 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003648/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hs2-update-phase-2a-and-phase-2b|archive-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Phase 2a received royal assent in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 February 2021|title=Phase 2a Act to bring HS2 to the north|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phase-2a-act-to-bring-hs2-to-the-north|access-date=11 February 2021|website=gov.uk |archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211135230/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phase-2a-act-to-bring-hs2-to-the-north|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill]] for [[High Speed 2 Phase Two|Phase 2b]] was paused under the [[Sunak ministry]].<ref name="Select Committee">{{Cite web |title=Committee publishes Second Special Report - High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill Select Committee (Commons) |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/597/high-speed-rail-crewe-manchester-bill-select-committee-commons/news/198174/committee-publishes-second-special-report/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=UK Parliament - Committees}}</ref>
One of the stated aims of the project is to increase the capacity of the railway network. It is envisaged that the introduction of HS2 will free up space on existing railway lines by removing a number of express services, thus allowing additional local train services to accommodate increased passenger numbers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capacity - helping reduce overcrowding |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/why/capacity/ |website=High Speed 2 |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011162307/https://www.hs2.org.uk/why/capacity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Network Rail]] considered that constructing a new high-speed railway will be more cost-effective and less disruptive than upgrading the existing conventional rail network.<ref name="The Independent-2020" /> The DfT has forecast that improved connectivity will have a positive economic impact, and that favourable journey times and ample capacity will generate a modal shift from air and road to rail.<ref name="FBC" /> In December 2024, the DfT stated there will be no WCML extensions from HS2 until the current project is completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/hs2-lite-replacement-between-manchester-and-birmingham-kicked-into-long-grass-3420608| url-access = registration | title=HS2 'lite' replacement between Manchester and Birmingham kicked into long grass|first=Richard|last=Vaughan|date=8 December 2024|website=The i Paper}}</ref>
===Oakervee Review===
On 21 August 2019 the DfT ordered an independent review of the project. The review was chaired by [[Douglas Oakervee]], a British [[civil engineer]], who had been HS2's non-executive chairman for nearly two years.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-independent-review-into-hs2-programme |title=Government announces independent review into HS2 programme |date=21 August 2019 |publisher=Department for Transport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821150953/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-independent-review-into-hs2-programme |archive-date=21 August 2019 |access-date=21 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-independent-review-terms-of-reference |title=HS2 independent review: terms of reference|website=gov.uk |access-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821090858/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-independent-review-terms-of-reference |archive-date=21 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The review was published by the DfT on 11 February 2020, alongside a statement from the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|prime minister]] confirming that HS2 would go ahead in full, with reservations.<ref name="Oakervee-Review">{{cite web |title=Oakervee Review of HS2 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oakervee-review-of-hs2 |publisher=Department for Transport |date=11 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020 |quote=original rationale for HS2 – still holds: there is a need for greater capacity (both more trains on tracks and more seats on trains and reliability on the GB rail network) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219205147/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oakervee-review-of-hs2 |archive-date=19 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=PM confirms HS2 will go ahead alongside revolution in local transport |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-confirms-hs2-will-go-ahead-alongside-revolution-in-local-transport |publisher=Department for Transport |date=11 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211142842/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-confirms-hs2-will-go-ahead-alongside-revolution-in-local-transport |archive-date=11 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Oakervee's conclusions were that the original rationale for HS2—to provide capacity and reliability on the rail network—was still valid, and that no "shovel-ready" interventions existed that could be deployed within the timeframe of the project. As a consequence, Oakervee recommended that the project go ahead as planned, subject to a series of further recommendations. After concluding that the project should proceed, the review recommended a further review of HS2 that would be undertaken by the [[Infrastructure and Projects Authority]] (IPA) and would concentrate on reducing costs and over-specification.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Jonathan |title=New review of HS2 will look at cutting the speed of the trains |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-review-hs2-look-cutting-17820174 |url-status=live |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227092134/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-review-hs2-look-cutting-17820174 |archive-date=27 February 2020}}</ref>
On 15 April 2020 formal approval was given to construction companies to start work on the project.<ref>{{cite news |title=Construction on HS2 can begin, government says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/15/construction-on-hs2-can-begin-government-says |url-status=live |newspaper=The Guardian |___location=London |date=15 April 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415085257/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/15/construction-on-hs2-can-begin-government-says |archive-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
In July 2023 the IPA annual report gave Phases 1 and 2A project a "red" rating,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrastructure-and-projects-authority-annual-report-2022-23 | title=Infrastructure and Projects Authority Annual Report 2022-23 }}</ref> meaning "Successful delivery of the project appears to be unachievable. There are major issues with project definition, schedule, budget, quality and/or benefits delivery, which at this stage do not appear to be manageable or resolvable. The project may need re-scoping and/or its overall viability reassessed." Measures such as reducing the speed of trains and their frequency, and general cost-cutting predominately affecting Phase 2b, would be assessed.
The House of Commons [[Public Accounts Committee (United Kingdom)|Public Accounts Committee]], in a January 2024 report, in relation to the revised planned route, stated that:<blockquote>"HS2 now offers very poor value for money to the taxpayer, and the Department [for Transport] and HS2 Ltd do not yet know what it expects the final benefits of the programme to be".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2024 |title=House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts - HS2 and Euston - Tenth Report of Session 2023–24 |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43184/documents/214904/default/ |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=UK Parliament}}</ref></blockquote>This report was clarified to mean following the cancellation of Phase 2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HS2 verdict: Scheme now very poor value for money after Northern leg cancellation |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/127/public-accounts-committee/news/199769/hs2-verdict-scheme-now-very-poor-value-for-money-after-northern-leg-cancellation/ |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=UK Parliament - Committees}}</ref>
===Integrated Rail Plan===
On 18 November 2021 the government's delayed Integrated Rail Plan was published.{{sfn|IRP North and Midlands|2021}} It significantly affected parts of the HS2 programme, including curtailing much of the eastern leg.
Under the original proposal for the eastern leg, the high-speed line would have been built with a link to the [[East Coast Main Line]] south of York for trains to continue to Newcastle. A branch would take trains into Leeds. There would also have been a branch to the [[Midland Main Line]] north of Derby for trains to continue to Sheffield. The original scheme also included a through station at [[Toton]], between Nottingham and Derby. The HS2 eastern section was largely eliminated, leaving a branch from [[Coleshill, Warwickshire|Coleshill]] near Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway station, just south of Nottingham and Derby, where the HS2 track would end, with trains continuing north onto the Midland Main Line to serve the existing stations at Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, and Sheffield. HS2 trains with high speed track and conventional track operation would serve the centres of Nottingham and Derby, unlike in the previous proposal.
Upgrades to the East Coast Main Line were proposed to offer time improvements on the London to Leeds and Newcastle routes. Services from Birmingham to Leeds and Newcastle were planned to use the remaining section of the HS2 eastern leg. The London to Sheffield service would remain on the Midland Main Line, equalling the proposed original HS2 journey times. The integrated Rail Plan proposed a study to determine the best method for HS2 trains to reach Leeds.
In June 2022 the [[Golborne]] spur was removed from the Crewe-to-Manchester Parliamentary Bill.<ref name = dhillon-20220408>{{cite news |last=Dhillon |first=Aran |title=Will controversial HS2 Golborne spur be scrapped? |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20055900.will-controversial-hs2-golborne-spur-scrapped/ |url-status=live |work=Warrington Guardian |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411163607/https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20055900.will-controversial-hs2-golborne-spur-scrapped/ |archive-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title= Government takes action to ensure Scotland receives best possible HS2 service |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-action-to-ensure-scotland-receives-best-possible-hs2-service |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=6 June 2022 |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220606202126/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-action-to-ensure-scotland-receives-best-possible-hs2-service |url-status=live}}</ref> Without this link, trains to Scotland would join the [[West Coast Main Line]] further south at Crewe, instead of near [[Wigan]]. The Department for Transport stated that the government was considering the recommendations of the Union Connectivity Review, which gave alternatives such as a more northerly HS2 connection to the West Coast Main Line than Golborne and upgrades to the West Coast Main Line from Crewe to [[Preston, Lancashire|Preston]].<ref name = dhillon-20220408 /><ref>{{cite web |title=Government takes action to ensure Scotland receives best possible HS2 service |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-action-to-ensure-scotland-receives-best-possible-hs2-service |access-date=6 June 2022 |website=GOV.UK |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606202126/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-action-to-ensure-scotland-receives-best-possible-hs2-service |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Cancellation of Phase 2 ===
{{See also|High Speed 2 Phase Two}}
In July 2023 the Infrastructure and Projects Authority gave a red rating to the first two phases of the HS2 project, which it defined to mean: "Successful delivery of the project appears to be unachievable. There are major issues with project definition, schedule, budget, quality and/or benefits delivery, which at this stage do not appear to be manageable or resolvable. The project may need re-scoping and/or its overall viability reassessed." HS2 Ltd's chief executive [[Mark Thurston]] announced his resignation on 13 July.<ref name=cn-20230724>{{cite news |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/hs2/major-projects-body-declares-hs2-unachievable-24-07-2023/ |title=Major projects body declares HS2 'unachievable' |last=Weinfass |first=Ian |website=Construction News |publisher=EMAP |date=24 July 2023 |access-date=20 June 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250620135853/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/hs2/major-projects-body-declares-hs2-unachievable-24-07-2023/ |archive-date=20 June 2025}}</ref>
In October 2023 the prime minister, [[Rishi Sunak]], announced at the [[Conservative Party Conference]] that Phase 2 would be abandoned. The cancellation left a new high-speed track from London to Handsacre, northeast of Birmingham, with a branch to central Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web |title=North West to benefit from £19.8 billion transport investment |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/north-west-to-benefit-from-198-billion-transport-investment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004174624/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/north-west-to-benefit-from-198-billion-transport-investment |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=gov.uk}}</ref> The construction of Euston station would depend on private sector funding: if funding was secured for the station access tunnel, construction would be the responsibility of HS2 Ltd.<ref name="es-09112023">{{cite news |last=Lydall |first=Ross |title=Digging for victory: HS2 contractor has Euston tunnel vision |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/hs2-tunnel-euston-contractor-old-oak-common-rishi-sunak-b1119226.html |url-status=live |work=Evening Standard |date=9 November 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110035625/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/hs2-tunnel-euston-contractor-old-oak-common-rishi-sunak-b1119226.html |archive-date=10 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Weinfass |first=Ian |title=HS2 Euston: uncertainty over awarded contracts after plans scrapped |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/hs2/hs2-euston-uncertainty-over-awarded-contracts-after-plans-scrapped-16-10-2023/ |access-date=23 October 2023 |work=Construction News |date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017095527/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/hs2/hs2-euston-uncertainty-over-awarded-contracts-after-plans-scrapped-16-10-2023/ |archive-date=17 October 2023 |language=en-US |quote=Prime minister Rishi Sunak announced two weeks ago that the Euston station project would be privately funded and removed from the responsibilities of HS2 Ltd.}}</ref> Euston station was initially proposed to have 11 platforms to accommodate HS2 trains. There is a reduction to six platforms, as a proposal from October 2023 will cap the throughput to 9–11 trains per hour, rather than the 18 of which the HS2 track would otherwise be capable.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |title=HS2 {{!}} Euston with only 7 platforms is not fit for the future network, experts say |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-euston-with-only-7-platforms-is-not-fit-for-the-future-network-experts-say-09-08-2023/ |url-status=live |magazine=New Civil Engineer |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809130439/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-euston-with-only-7-platforms-is-not-fit-for-the-future-network-experts-say-09-08-2023/ |archive-date=9 August 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spocchia |first=Gino |title=Grimshaw's Euston HS2 station loses more platforms under Sunak rethink |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/grimshaws-euston-hs2-station-loses-more-platforms-under-sunak-rethink |work=Architects' Journal |date=5 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007203322/https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/grimshaws-euston-hs2-station-loses-more-platforms-under-sunak-rethink |archive-date=7 October 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Sunak said the £36{{nbsp}}billion saved by not building the northern leg of HS2 would instead be spent on roads, buses and railways in every region of the country, under the title "Network North." The locations of these projects would range from southern Scotland to [[Plymouth]]. Money would be distributed in the North, Midlands and South of England according to where the reduction of costs (not benefits) would lie.<ref>{{cite book| title = Network North: Transforming British Transport – CP 946| publisher = Department for Transport| date = October 2023| pages = 4| url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65294b416b6fbf0014b75641/network-north-transforming-british-transport.pdf}}</ref> Around 30 per cent of the cost savings would be spent on railway projects.<ref>{{cite journal| last = Williams| first = Alan| title = Warning! This Government may damage rail's health| journal = Modern Railways| volume = 81| issue = 904| pages = 96, 97| publisher = Key Publishing| ___location = Stamford| date = January 2024}}</ref> After it was found that the list of projects included schemes that had already been built or were swiftly deleted, Sunak said the list was intended to provide illustrative examples.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Peter |date=9 October 2023 |title=List of projects to be funded by HS2 money 'only illustrative', Sunak says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/09/list-of-projects-to-be-funded-by-hs2-money-only-illustrative-sunak-says |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
In January 2024 the [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|leader of the opposition]], [[Keir Starmer]], said it would not be possible for any future Labour government to reinstate Phase 2, since contracts would have been cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ames |first=Chris |date=12 January 2024 |title=HS2 Phase 2 'not possible', Starmer claims |url=https://www.transport-network.co.uk/HS2-Phase-2-not-possible-Starmer-claims/19191 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=The Transport Network}}</ref> This was confirmed in April 2024 by [[Louise Haigh]], the shadow transport minister.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Oliver |date=11 April 2024 |title=Labour's HS2 plans confirmed by shadow transport secretary |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/hs2-cancelled-london-birmingham-labour-b2527051.html |access-date=27 April 2024 |work=Independent}}</ref>
===New chief executive assessment and Stewart Review===
In December 2024, Mark Wild was appointed as chief executive of High Speed Two Limited, and he undertook a thorough assessment of the programme. On 31 March 2025, he wrote to the Transport Secretary [[Heidi Alexander]], highlighting that "the organisation has failed in its mission to control costs and deliver to schedule" and summarising the overall situation as unsustainable.<ref name=times-20250618a>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/what-happened-hs2-delay-kwx0f3sgn |title=What happened to HS2? The project that made Britain a laughing stock |last=Clatworthy |first=Ben |newspaper=The Times |___location=London |url-access=subscription |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=18 June 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250618210605/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/what-happened-hs2-delay-kwx0f3sgn |archive-date=18 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=wise-20250331>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685177afcf42a58f50cac99b/hs2-ltd-letter-to-transport-secretary.pdf |title=Initial findings and assessment of HS2's current position regarding cost and schedule |last=Wild |first=Mark |work=High Speed Two Limited |via=gov.uk |date=31 March 2025 |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> He stated there was no reliable earned value to date measure, and estimated the programme was currently about one third complete compared to the planned three-quarters complete.<ref name=nce-20250618>{{cite news |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-ltd-ceo-details-civils-slippage-as-stewart-review-recommends-project-governance-overhaul-18-06-2025/ |title=HS2 Ltd CEO details civils slippage as Stewart review recommends project governance overhaul |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |website=New Civil Engineer |publisher=EMAP |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=18 June 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250618162409/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-ltd-ceo-details-civils-slippage-as-stewart-review-recommends-project-governance-overhaul-18-06-2025/ |archive-date=18 June 2025}}</ref>
He noted external events contributing to this – the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine – but attributed the failure to three primary issues, briefly summarised as:<ref name=nce-20250618/><ref name=wise-20250331/>
# Construction started too soon, before stable and consented designs were available; unrealistic schedules were the main driver rather than efficiency
# Many contracts were placed before construction risks could be quantified by the contractors, effectively turning the contracts into cost-plus arrangements; "as a result, contractors have not been sufficiently incentivised to hit cost targets, and HS2 Ltd failed to establish an effective contract management model. The contracts incentivised the prioritisation of short-term schedule over managing overall cost."
# HS2 Ltd was not set up to actively manage delivery, with "hands-on, commercially astute contract management"
This was followed by the Stewart Review, primarily into HS2 corporate governance and management, published on 18 June 2025. Amongst its conclusions, it stated "The top-down vision of building a railway that would be the best and fastest has been a major factor in undermining attempts to introduce a culture of cost control" and that the project had been "subject to evolving political aims, which pushed forward on the schedule before there was sufficient design maturity and caused progressive removals of scope".<ref name=times-20250618b>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/interfering-politicians-doomed-hs2-from-the-start-review-finds-jf0gxbqfx |title=Interfering politicians doomed HS2 from the start, review finds |last=Clatworthy |first=Ben |newspaper=The Times |___location=London |url-access=subscription |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=19 June 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250618212302/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/interfering-politicians-doomed-hs2-from-the-start-review-finds-jf0gxbqfx |archive-date=18 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=stewart-20250618>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685291bf2b367fdd44c15e2b/dft-major-transport-projects-governance-assurance-review.pdf |title=Major Transport Projects Governance and Assurance Review: The HS2 Experience |last=Stewart |first=James |publisher=Department for Transport |via=gov.uk |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref>
The same day the Transport Secretary made a statement to parliament accepting all the Stewart recommendations and calling the current situation "an appalling mess". She concluded that meeting the 2033 project end date was impossible, and that "Billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been wasted by constant scope changes, ineffective contracts and bad management." In future the project priority would be to build at the lowest reasonable cost, even if this took longer.<ref name=guardian-20250618>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/18/hs2-delayed-beyond-2033-high-speed-rail |title=HS2 delayed beyond 2033 as minister attacks 'appalling mess' |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=dft-20250618>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/resetting-the-high-speed-two-hs2-programme |title=Resetting the High Speed Two (HS2) programme |last=Alexander |first=Heidi |publisher=Department for Transport |via=gov.uk |date=18 June 2025 |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> She confirmed that [[Euston tunnel|tunneling to the Euston terminus]] would go ahead, but she did not choose the design for the station, though noted that the two "failed designs" had cost over £250 million.<ref name=times-20250618b/><ref name=dft-20250618/>
==Route==
{{hatnote|See also: {{osmrelation|1986960|proposed route of HS2, phase 1}}.}}
===London to Handsacre and Birmingham===
[[File:HS2 phase 1.png|thumb|390px|Phase 1 of HS2: London to Birmingham]]
HS2 parallels the West Coast Main Line (WCML), merging with the WCML at Handsacre. The line will be between [[Euston railway station]] in London and a junction with the WCML outside the village of Handsacre north of Lichfield in [[Staffordshire]]. There will be a branch to a new station at [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Birmingham Curzon Street]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Transport Secretary confirms work will continue on HS2 in and around Lichfield |url=https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2023/10/05/transport-secretary-confirms-work-will-continue-on-hs2-in-and-around-lichfield/ |work=Lichfield Live |date=5 October 2023}}</ref> There will also be new stations at [[Old Oak Common railway station|Old Oak Common]], in northwest London, and [[Birmingham Interchange]], near [[Solihull]].<ref>{{cite web |title=London to West Midlands (Phase One) |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/london-to-west-midlands/ |access-date=4 October 2023 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001155849/https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/london-to-west-midlands/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The section between Old Oak Common and the West Midlands is scheduled to open around 2030, with the link to Euston following between 2031 and 2035.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/hs2-timeline-issues-delays-costs-history-government-b1064523.html |title=Will HS2 be cancelled? Government refuses to guarantee Manchester branch |first1=Jessica |last1=Knibbs |first2=Sian |last2=Hewitt |first3=Beril |last3=Naz Hassan |first4=William|last4=Mata |date=26 September 2023|website=Evening Standard|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920020742/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/hs2-timeline-issues-delays-costs-history-government-b1064523.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The high speed track, including the branch to Birmingham, is {{convert|225|km|mi}} long.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 route map |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/378424/C224-ARP-CV-DPP-040-226700_0.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724215319/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/378424/C224-ARP-CV-DPP-040-226700_0.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2019 |access-date=21 January 2021 |publisher=HS2 Ltd}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=High Speed Rail – Department for Transport |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228887/7827.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725081703/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228887/7827.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2019 |access-date=29 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="FBC" /> It is flanked by the WCML and the [[Chiltern Line]].
Upon opening, HS2 and West Coast Main Line compatible trains will operate from London, reaching Birmingham in 49{{nbsp}}minutes and Birmingham Interchange in 38{{nbsp}}minutes. Trains will journey to other destinations on a mix of HS2 and conventional track. Journeys to Liverpool will take 1{{nbsp}}hour 50{{nbsp}}minutes, to Glasgow 4{{nbsp}}hours, and to Manchester 1{{nbsp}}hour 40{{nbsp}}minutes.{{update inline|reason=The source for these figures was written before the line to Manchester was cancelled.|date=November 2023}} Trains will progress on HS2 track to Handsacre, then use the West Coast Main Line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/stations/liverpool/ |title=Liverpool |website=HS2 Ltd |date=4 May 2022 |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001141432/https://www.hs2.org.uk/stations/liverpool/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |title=London-West Midlands Environmental Statement |date=November 2013 |access-date=21 October 2018 |archive-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021152935/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
The route to the north begins at Euston station in London, entering a twin-bore tunnel near the Mornington Street Bridge at the station's throat. After continuing through to the Old Oak Common station, trains proceed through a second, {{convert|8|mi||0|abbr=|adj=on}} tunnel, emerging at its northwestern portal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/hs2-tunnel-extended-under-west-london-to-cut-chaos-8584820.html|title=HS2 tunnel extended under west London to cut chaos|date=23 April 2013|website=Evening Standard|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728224442/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/hs2-tunnel-extended-under-west-london-to-cut-chaos-8584820.html|archive-date=28 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The line crosses the [[Colne Valley Regional Park]] on the [[Colne Valley Viaduct]] and then enters a {{convert|9.8|mi||1|abbr=|adj=on}} tunnel under the [[Chiltern Hills]], to emerge near [[South Heath]], northwest of [[Amersham]]. The route will roughly parallel the [[A413]] road and the [[London to Aylesbury Line]], to the west of [[Wendover]]. This is a green [[cut-and-cover tunnel]] under farmland, with soil spread over the final construction in order to reduce visual impact and noise, and allow use of the land above the tunnels for agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-one-environmental-statement-glossary-and-abbreviations |website=gov.uk |publisher=DfT |access-date=15 October 2018 |ref=HS2glossary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016032739/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-one-environmental-statement-glossary-and-abbreviations |archive-date=16 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> After passing west of [[Aylesbury]], the route will pass through the corridor of the former [[Great Central Main Line]], joining the alignment north of [[Quainton Road]] to travel through rural Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire up to [[Mixbury]], south of [[Brackley]], from where it will cross the [[A43 road|A43]] and open countryside through South Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, passing immediately south of [[Southam]]. After progressing through a tunnel bored under [[Long Itchington]] Wood, the route will pass through rural areas between [[Kenilworth]] and [[Coventry]], crossing the [[A46 road|A46]] to enter the West Midlands.
Birmingham Interchange Station will be on the outskirts of Solihull, close to the strategic road network, including the [[M42 motorway|M42]], [[M6 motorway|M6]], [[M6 toll]] and [[A45 road|A45]]. These roads will be crossed on viaducts. The station is adjacent to Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre. North of the station west of Coleshill there will be a complex triangular branch junction, with six tracks at one section, which will link the HS2 Birmingham city centre spur with the main spine. The spine continues north from the branch to the northerly limit of the high speed track which is a connection onto the WCML at Handsacre. The Birmingham city centre spur will be routed along the [[Water Orton]] rail corridor, the [[Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway|Birmingham to Derby line]] through [[Castle Bromwich]] and through a tunnel past [[Bromford]].{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}
==Branches to other lines==
===West Coast Main Line===
A key feature of the HS2 proposals is that the new high-speed track will be connected to the existing West Coast Main Line track at Handsacre, north of Birmingham, taking trains north on the existing track. This is the only connection between the new and existing track. This connection allows HS2 services to serve the cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow on a mix of new high-speed track and the existing West Coast Main Line. Purpose-built trains will be capable of operating on new and existing tracks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/adonis-in-allparty-talks-on-highspeed-rail-link-1855392.html |title=Adonis in all-party talks on high-speed rail link |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=4 January 2010 |___location=London |first=Michael |last=Savage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105034116/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/adonis-in-allparty-talks-on-highspeed-rail-link-1855392.html |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|DfT|2009|p=16 para. 37}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Alexandra |title=HS2 won't be high speed between Manchester and Birmingham |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hs2-will-go-to-manchester-but-from-birmingham-it-will-run-on-existing-tracks-12976020 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=5 October 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005171411/https://news.sky.com/story/hs2-will-go-to-manchester-but-from-birmingham-it-will-run-on-existing-tracks-12976020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Stations==
===Central London===
{{main|London Euston railway station}}
[[File:Euston High Speed 2.png|thumb|Euston Terminus and the nearby terminus of [[High Speed 1]] at St Pancras]]
HS2 is to share a southern terminus with the West Coast Main Line at London Euston, which is to be remodelled to integrate six new HS2 platforms and concourse with the current conventional rail station.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/rail-minister-confirms-six-platform-plan-euston-hs2-station | title=Rail Minister confirms six platform plan for Euston HS2 | date=17 August 2021 }}</ref> There will be an improved connection to the adjacent [[Euston Square tube station]], which serves the [[Circle line (London Underground)|Circle]], [[Hammersmith & City]] and [[Metropolitan line|Metropolitan]] lines.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Smale |first=Katherine|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-euston-station-design-development-released-20-11-2018/|title=HS2 Euston station design development released|date=20 November 2018|magazine=New Civil Engineer |access-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213221532/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-euston-station-design-development-released-20-11-2018/|archive-date=13 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, the government announced that this aspect of the project would only commence if the private sector were to agree funding,<ref name="BBC 5/10/23">{{cite news |last1=Race |first1=Michael |last2=Austin |first2=Katy |title=HS2 will not go to Euston without private funds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67021225 |publisher=BBC News |date=5 October 2023}}</ref>
and as a consequence construction at Euston has paused.
===West London===
{{main|Old Oak Common railway station}}
[[File:Willesden Junction map with Old Oak Common.png|thumb|Planned transport links of Old Oak Common railway station]]
{{rws|Old Oak Common}} station, between {{rws|Paddington}} and {{stnlnk|Acton Main Line}} station, is under construction and scheduled to be completed before Euston. It will be the temporary London terminus of HS2 until Euston is completed. There will be connections with the [[Elizabeth line]], [[Heathrow Express]] to [[Heathrow Airport]], and the [[Great Western Main Line]] to [[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]], [[South West England]] and [[South Wales]].{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=107}} Old Oak Common railway station will also be connected, via [[out of station interchange]]s, with [[London Overground]] stations at [[Old Oak Common Lane railway station|Old Oak Common Lane]] on the [[North London line]] and [[Hythe Road railway station|Hythe Road]] on the [[West London line]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/34._old_oak_strategic_transport_study.pdf|title=Old Oak Strategic Transport Study|date=June 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213221540/https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/34._old_oak_strategic_transport_study.pdf|archive-date=13 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Planning permission granted for Britain's largest new-build railway station |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/planning-permission-granted-for-largest-new-build-railway-station |access-date=30 July 2020 |work=The Construction Index |date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607080039/https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/planning-permission-granted-for-largest-new-build-railway-station |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Birmingham Airport===
{{main|Birmingham Interchange}}
[[File:Birmingham interchange.png|thumb|The proposed "Birmingham Interchange"]]
Birmingham Interchange will be a through station situated in suburban Solihull, within a triangle of land enclosed by the M42, [[A45 road|A45]] and [[A452]] highways. A [[HS2 automated people mover|people mover]] with a capacity of over 2,100{{nbsp}}passengers per hour in each direction will connect the station to the [[National Exhibition Centre]], [[Birmingham Airport]] and the existing [[Birmingham International railway station]].{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=118}}<ref>{{cite web|title=High Speed Two Phase One Information Paper H2: Birmingham Interchange Station|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672460/H2_-_Birmingham_Interchange_Station_v1.5.pdf|website=gov.uk|publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|access-date=23 May 2018|pages=3, 10|date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524005837/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672460/H2_-_Birmingham_Interchange_Station_v1.5.pdf|archive-date=24 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[AirRail Link]] people-mover already operates between Birmingham International station and the airport. In addition, there is a proposal to extend the [[West Midlands Metro]] to serve the station.<ref>{{Cite web|title=East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance|url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/east-birmingham-solihull-extension/|access-date=30 July 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129002536/http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/east-birmingham-solihull-extension/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010 Birmingham Airport's chief executive, Paul Kehoe, stated that HS2 is a key element in increasing the number of flights using the airport, with added patronage by inhabitants of London and the [[South East England|South East]], as HS2 will reduce travel times from London to Birmingham Airport to under 40{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2010/10/up-up-and-away---birmingham-ai.html |title=Up, Up and Away – Birmingham Airport spreads its wings as powerful driver of growth and jobs |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] Business Blog |date=29 October 2010 |last=Nielsen |first=Beverley |access-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129220437/http://blogs.birminghampost.net/business/2010/10/up-up-and-away---birmingham-ai.html |archive-date=29 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Birmingham city centre===
{{main|Birmingham Curzon Street railway station}}
[[File:2020 at Birmingham Curzon Street (02).JPG|thumb|Work underway on clearing the site at Birmingham Curzon Street in January 2020]]
Birmingham Curzon Street will be the terminal station at the end of a branch that connects to the HS2 spine via a junction at Coleshill.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3c.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100409201346/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3c.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2010 |title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. |chapter=3 |page=117 |access-date=12 March 2010}}</ref> A [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station (1838–1966)|station of the same name]] existed on the Curzon Street site between 1838 and 1966; the surviving [[Listed building|Grade I listed]] station building will be retained and renovated.<ref name="AJ" />
The site is immediately adjacent to [[Birmingham Moor Street railway station|Moor Street station]], and approximately {{convert|400|m|mi}} northeast of [[New Street station]], which is separated from Curzon and Moor streets by the [[Bull Ring, Birmingham|Bull Ring]]. Passenger interchange with Moor Street would be at street level, across Moor Street Queensway; interchange with New Street would be via a pedestrian walkway between Moor Street and New Street (opened in 2013).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2013/mar/The-first-half-of-the-new-concourse-at-Birmingham-New-Street-station-will-open-on-28-April-2013/ |title=The first half of the new concourse at Birmingham New Street station will open on 28 April 2013 |publisher=Network Rail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622012036/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2013/mar/The-first-half-of-the-new-concourse-at-Birmingham-New-Street-station-will-open-on-28-April-2013/ |archive-date=22 June 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=High Speed Two Information Paper H4: Birmingham Curzon Street Station|url=http://assets.hs2.org.uk/sites/default/files/hb_pdf/H4%20-%20Curzon%20Street%20Station.pdf |website=gov.uk |publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|access-date=23 May 2018|pages=4.1 and 6.3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904225715/http://assets.hs2.org.uk/sites/default/files/hb_pdf/H4%20-%20Curzon%20Street%20Station.pdf|archive-date=4 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk/home.aspx|title=Transforming Birmingham New Street|author=Network Rail|access-date=28 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828225653/http://www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk/home.aspx|archive-date=28 August 2010}}</ref> In September 2018, one of Birmingham's oldest pubs, the [[Fox and Grapes, Birmingham|Fox and Grapes]], was demolished to make way for the new developments.<ref>{{cite news |last=Young |first=Graham |title=Outrage at demolition of landmark city centre pub |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/mystifying-upsetting-disgusting--outrage-15138783 |access-date=30 July 2020 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727000800/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/mystifying-upsetting-disgusting--outrage-15138783 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[West Midlands Metro]] will be extended to serve the station.<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/|access-date=30 July 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906081019/http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Development planning for the Fazeley Street quarter of Birmingham has changed as a result of HS2. Prior to the announcement of the HS2 station, [[Birmingham City University]] had planned to build a new campus in [[Eastside, Birmingham|Eastside]].<ref name="BPost20100316">{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2010/03/16/birmingham-city-university-wants-30m-refund-after-high-speed-rail-hits-campus-plan-65233-26044757/ |title=Birmingham City University wants £30m refund after high speed rail hits campus plan |date=16 March 2010 |access-date=17 March 2010 |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |first=Jonathan |last=Walker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323004206/http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2010/03/16/birmingham-city-university-wants-30m-refund-after-high-speed-rail-hits-campus-plan-65233-26044757/ |archive-date=23 March 2010}}</ref>{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=115}} The proposed Eastside development will now include a new museum quarter, with the original station building becoming a new museum of photography, fronting onto a new Curzon Square, which will also be home to [[Ikon Gallery|Ikon 2]], a museum of contemporary art.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/Repository/pages/197/0485f379-66d0-48f3-b585-88cce714e9b1.pdf|title=Curzon Square – A vision for Birminghams New Museum Quarter|author=Ikon Gallery|access-date=28 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513020407/http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/Repository/pages/197/0485f379-66d0-48f3-b585-88cce714e9b1.pdf|archive-date=13 May 2013}}</ref>
Clearing the site for construction commenced in December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/hs2-begins-curzon-street-station |title=HS2 begins search for contractors to build Curzon Street station |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003121211/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/hs2-begins-curzon-street-station |archive-date=3 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is/news/2018/11/28/notice-of-land-preparation-works-curzon-street-station-site |title=Notice of land preparation works – Curzon Street Station site |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003121937/https://hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is/news/2018/11/28/notice-of-land-preparation-works-curzon-street-station-site |archive-date=3 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Grimshaw Architects]] received planning permission for three applications in April 2020. The new station is expected to have a zero-carbon rating and over {{convert|2,800|m2}} of solar panels.<ref name="AJ">{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |title=First HS2 station approved: Grimshaw's Curzon Street plans waved though |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/first-hs2-station-approved-grimshaws-curzon-street-plans-waved-though/10046927.article |access-date=30 July 2020 |work=Architects Journal |date=23 April 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715105221/https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/first-hs2-station-approved-grimshaws-curzon-street-plans-waved-though/10046927.article |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Interchanges with other lines==
=== Old Oak Common ===
The plan makes provision for HS2 service passenger interchanges to the Elizabeth line and Great Western Main Line at [[Old Oak Common station]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vickers |first1=Noah |date=5 September 2024 |title=New HS2 station could be redesigned to allow level boarding for Elizabeth line services |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/old-oak-common-hs2-elizabeth-line-redesign-level-boarding-access-tfl-b1180401.html |url-status=live |work=The Standard |publisher=Evening Standard Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905215410/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/old-oak-common-hs2-elizabeth-line-redesign-level-boarding-access-tfl-b1180401.html |archive-date=5 September 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}}</ref>
=== London Euston ===
The plan makes provision for HS2 service passenger interchanges on foot to the West Coast Main Line and [[London Underground]] ("Tube") services via the adjacent [[Euston tube station]] and Euston square tube station.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
===Birmingham Curzon Street===
The [[West Midlands Metro]], a tram service, is to serve Curzon Street, providing access to onward services from {{rws|Birmingham Snow Hill}}, Birmingham New Street and {{rws|Wolverhampton}}.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
==Construction==
[[File:HS2 construction near Leamington Spa, aerial 2021 (3), geograph 6947416 by Chris.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|HS2 construction near [[Leamington Spa]] in August 2021]]
The main stages of construction officially began on 4 September 2020,<ref>{{cite news|title=HS2 rail project work begins with pledge of 22,000 jobs|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54010727|date=4 September 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904000202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54010727|url-status=live}}</ref> following previous delays. The [[civil engineering]] aspect of the construction of Phase 1 is worth roughly £6.6{{nbsp}}billion, with preparation including over 8,000 boreholes for ground investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/companies/clients/hs2/hs2-civils-start-delayed-another-three-months/10033161.article|title=HS2 civils start delayed another three months| last1 = Simpson| first1 = Jack|date=19 July 2018|website=Construction News|access-date=11 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054019/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/companies/clients/hs2/hs2-civils-start-delayed-another-three-months/10033161.article|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> As of March 2025, no track had been laid, and approximately one third of the civil engineering construction work had been completed (of a planned 70-80 percent.)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Steve |date=2025-05-17 |title=New HS2 farce as £32bn spent - but still not a single track laid |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/hs2-farce-32bn-spent-not-single-track-laid-3689289 |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=The i Paper |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Euston station in London===
In October 2018 demolition began on the former [[Euston Downside Carriage Maintenance Depot|carriage sheds at Euston station]]. This will allow the start of construction at the throat of the station at Mornington Street Bridge, and twin-bore {{Convert|8|mi||0|abbr=|adj=on}} tunnels to [[West Ruislip]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-look-at-hs2s-euston-tunnel-portal-site|title=First look at HS2's Euston tunnel portal site|date=4 October 2018|publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|access-date=11 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195515/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-look-at-hs2s-euston-tunnel-portal-site|archive-date=6 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Euston Station Throat (C221-MMD-CV-DPP-010-200500-FPD) |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529461/C221-MMD-CV-DPP-010-200500-FPD.pdf |website=gov.uk |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172504/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529461/C221-MMD-CV-DPP-010-200500-FPD.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2019 the [[taxi rank]] at Euston was moved to a temporary site at the front of the station so that demolition of the One Euston Square and Grant Thornton House tower blocks could commence. The demolition period was scheduled to last ten months.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/euston-hs2-works-ramp-up-with-towers-demolition-08-01-2019/ |title=Euston HS2 works ramp up with towers demolition |newspaper=New Civil Engineer |date=8 January 2019 |access-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728223414/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/euston-hs2-works-ramp-up-with-towers-demolition-08-01-2019/ |archive-date=28 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2020, workers finished the demolition of the western ramp and canopy of the station. This part of the station had housed the [[Parcel post|parcels]] depot, which fell into disuse after parcel traffic shifted to being serviced by road.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/102633/construction-preparation-hs2-euston-station-milestone/ |title=Construction preparation for HS2 Euston station reaches milestone |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=25 June 2020 |publisher=Global Railway Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905170641/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/102633/construction-preparation-hs2-euston-station-milestone/ |url-status=live |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=5 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://railway-news.com/hs2-euston-station-demolition-milestone-reached/ |title=HS2 Euston Station Demolition Milestone Reached |last=Sapién |first=Josephine Cordero |date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Railway-News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905171109/https://railway-news.com/hs2-euston-station-demolition-milestone-reached/ |url-status=live |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=5 September 2020}}</ref>
In March 2023 the government postponed works on Euston station, saying that this was necessary to "manage inflationary pressures and work on an affordable design for the station". Delivery of services between Birmingham and Old Oak Common would instead be prioritised, with the Elizabeth line providing passenger transfer between Old Oak Common and central London until at least 2035, the earliest time at which Euston would be available under the new plans.<ref>{{cite news |title=HS2 Euston delays to cost more, National Audit Office warns |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-65085872 |access-date=23 April 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=27 March 2023 |archive-date=6 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506114442/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-65085872 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Old Oak Common station===
Construction of [[Old Oak Common station]] began in June 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Progress at HS2 Superhub station Old Oak Common as construction of main station box begins |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/progress-at-hs2-superhub-station-old-oak-common-as-construction-of-main-station-box-begins |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=HS2 News and Information |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602173717/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/progress-at-hs2-superhub-station-old-oak-common-as-construction-of-main-station-box-begins |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Bridges and viaducts===
*[[Wendover Dean Viaduct]]
*[[Small Dean Viaduct]]
*[[Turweston Green Bridge]]
*[[Thame Valley Viaduct]]
*[[Marston Box Rail Bridge]]
*[[Balsall Common Viaduct]]
*[[Aston Church Road Overbridge]]
====Colne Valley Viaduct====
{{Main|Colne Valley Viaduct}}
The Colne Valley Viaduct is a {{convert|2.1|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} bridge to carry the line over the [[Colne Valley Regional Park]] in [[London Borough of Hillingdon|Hillingdon]], West London.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Work begins to form HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct foundations|url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/119361/hs2-colne-valley-viaduct-foundations/|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Global Railway Review|language=en|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215175051/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/119361/hs2-colne-valley-viaduct-foundations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The viaduct is situated between the Northolt and Chiltern tunnels. The bridge-building machine was launched in May 2022, signalling the start of construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 celebrates start of construction on UK's longest railway bridge |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-celebrates-start-of-construction-on-uks-longest-railway-bridge |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=HS2 News and Information |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601161130/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-celebrates-start-of-construction-on-uks-longest-railway-bridge |url-status=live}}</ref> The final deck segment was put into place in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Colne Valey Viaduct becomes UK's longest rail bridge |url=https://www.srm.com/news-and-comment/colne-valey-viaduct-becomes-uks-longest-rail-bridge/ |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=Sir Robert McAlpine |language=en}}</ref> The viaduct is expected to be fully complete in May 2025.
===Tunnelling ===
There are five twin-bore tunnel sections on the route from London to Birmingham. The [[Euston tunnel]] will take passengers from Euston railway station to Old Oak Common station. The [[Northolt tunnel]] covers the area between Old Oak Common and the [[Colne Valley Viaduct]] in West Ruislip. The [[Chiltern tunnel]] is the longest tunnel on the route and travels {{convert|10|mi}} underneath the [[Chiltern Hills]]. The Long Itchington Wood tunnel is the shortest on the route and will take passengers underneath an ancient woodland. The [[Bromford tunnel]] will take trains into [[Birmingham city centre]].
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ TBM Progress
|-
! class=unsortable | Tunnel
! class=unsortable | Name
! Launch Date
! Arrival Date
! Digging Time
! Distance Travelled
! {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! rowspan=2 | Euston Tunnel
| ''Karen''
| TBD
| TBD
| TBD
| TBD
|
|-
| ''Madeline''
| TBD
| TBD
| TBD
| TBD
|
|-
! rowspan=2 | Northolt Tunnel West
| ''Sushila''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2022|October|6}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|December|19}}
| {{Ayd|2022|10|6|2024|12|19|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|8|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|
|-
| ''Caroline''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2022|October|27}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2025|April|3}}
| {{Ayd|2022|10|27|2025|4|3|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|8|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivers |first=Polly |date=2022-10-27 |title=Second HS2 Tunnel Boring Machine sets off under capital |url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/second-hs2-tunnel-boring-machine-sets-off-under-capital/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=RailBusinessDaily |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2 | Northolt Tunnel East
| ''Emily''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|February|25}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2025|June|6}}
| {{Ayd|2024|2|25|2025|6|6|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|5.5|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |date=2025-06-13 |title=HS2 {{!}} Third London TBM breaks through after 16-month drive under capital |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-third-london-tbm-breaks-through-after-16-month-drive-under-capital-13-06-2025/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=New Civil Engineer |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| ''Anne''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|April|9}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2025|June|26}}
| {{Ayd|2024|4|9|2025|6|26|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|5.5|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breakthrough on HS2’s second longest tunnel |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2025/06/30/breakthrough-on-hs2s-second-longest-tunnel/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Construction Enquirer |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2 | Chiltern Tunnel
| ''Florence''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2021|May|13}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|February|27}}
| {{Ayd|2021|5|13|2024|2|27|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|16|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=HS2 tunnelling machine completes journey under Chiltern Hills |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjqjqgxyzjwo |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
| ''Cecilia''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2021|July|5}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|March|21}}
| {{Ayd|2021|7|5|2024|3|21|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|16|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=HS2: Final Breakthrough at Chiltern Tunnel; Fourth Northolt Tunnel TBM Launched - tunnel |url=https://www.tunnel-online.info/en/artikel/hs2-final-breakthrough-at-chiltern-tunnel-fourth-northolt-tunnel-tbm-launched-4092319.html |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=www.tunnel-online.info |language=en}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="2"| Long Itchington Wood Tunnel
| rowspan="2"| ''Dorothy''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2021|December|2}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2022|July|26}}
| {{Ayd|2021|12|2|2022|7|26|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|1.6|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|
|-
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2022|November|25}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2023|March|30}}
| {{Ayd|2022|11|25|2023|3|30|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|1.6|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deborah |date=2022-12-09 |title=Second tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire – High-Speed Rail Group |url=https://www.rail-leaders.com/industry-news/second-tunnel-bore-under-long-itchington-wood-in-warwickshire/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2 | Bromford Tunnel
| ''Mary Ann''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2023|August|14}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2025|May|9}}
| {{Ayd|2023|8|14|2025|5|9|sep=,|duration=on}}
| {{convert|5.8|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbings |first=David |title=First breakthrough at HS2 tunnel in Birmingham as 22-month journey comes to an end |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/2025/05/09/first-breakthrough-at-hs2-tunnel-in-birmingham-as-22-month-journey-comes-to-an-end |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=www.railmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| ''Elizabeth''
| {{dts|format=dmy|abbr=on|2024|March|6}}
| TBD
| TBD
| {{convert|5.8|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=HS2's "Elizabeth" Begins Digging Second Birmingham Tunnel |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/hs2s-elizabeth-begins-digging-second-birmingham-tunnel |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Rail Technology Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
|}
==== Euston tunnel ====
{{Main|Euston tunnel}}
In April 2023, HS2 announced that work on the {{convert|4.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Euston tunnels linking Old Oak Common to Euston was being deferred and that tunnel-boring had been rescheduled to start in summer 2025.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Smart |first=Belinda |date=18 April 2023 |title=HS2 confirms that work on the Euston Tunnel is to be paused |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-confirms-that-work-on-the-euston-tunnel-is-to-be-paused-18-04-2023/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506205220/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-confirms-that-work-on-the-euston-tunnel-is-to-be-paused-18-04-2023/ |archive-date=6 May 2023 |access-date=23 April 2023 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |publisher=EMAP Publishing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 Presentation Euston Tunnel May 2023 Update |url=https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2205-Presentation-Euston-Tunnel-Update-May-2023.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609065233/https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2205-Presentation-Euston-Tunnel-Update-May-2023.pdf |archive-date=9 June 2023 |access-date=9 June 2023}}</ref> In October 2023 the Government announced that any Euston terminus would not be government-funded.<ref name="BBC 5/10/23" /> However, in May 2024 the Government was reportedly prepared to pay the upfront tunnelling cost of around £1 billion to avoid further costly delays to the project. It would then recoup costs from the wider development of the Euston station site.<ref name="Morby-08May2024">{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |date=8 May 2024 |title=Government set to fund £1bn final HS2 London tunnel drive |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/05/08/government-set-to-fund-1bn-final-hs2-london-tunnel-drive/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=Construction Enquirer}}</ref>
==== Northolt tunnel ====
{{Main|Northolt tunnel}}
The {{convert|8.4|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Northolt tunnels were constructed with four [[tunnel boring machine]]s (TBM); two tunnelling West to East and two tunnelling East to West, which met in the middle. TBM ''Sushila'' and ''Caroline'', the first two of the four TBMs to be used, were launched from the West Ruislip portal in October 2022. The third launched in February 2024 and the fourth followed in April 2024, with all the tunnels finished by June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/breakthrough-hs2-completes-excavation-of-huge-8-4-mile-tunnel-under-the-capital |title =Breakthrough! HS2 completes excavation of huge 8.4 mile tunnel under the capital}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=HS2 launches third giant tunnelling machine under capital building the Northolt Tunnel |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-launches-third-giant-tunnelling-machine-under-capital-building-the-northolt-tunnel |access-date=25 February 2024 |website=HS2 News and Information |language=english}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |date=8 April 2024 |title=HS2 {{!}} Fourth TBM launched to bore 13.5km Northolt tunnel under London |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-fourth-tbm-launched-to-bore-13-5km-northolt-tunnel-under-london-08-04-2024/ |access-date=8 April 2024 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en}}</ref>
==== Chiltern tunnel ====
{{Main|Chiltern tunnel}}
The {{convert|10|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Chiltern tunnels were scheduled to take three years to dig, using two {{convert|2,000|t|adj=on}} TBMs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Progress at Chiltern tunnel site as HS2 prepares for arrival of first tunnelling machines |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/progress-at-chiltern-tunnel-site-as-hs2-prepares-for-arrival-of-first-tunnelling-machines |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916223348/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/progress-at-chiltern-tunnel-site-as-hs2-prepares-for-arrival-of-first-tunnelling-machines |archive-date=16 September 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> In July 2020, work was completed on a {{convert|17|m|adj=on}}-high headwall at the southern portal of the twin-bore tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wareham |first=Stephanie |date=1 October 2021 |title=Video shows what the first mile of the HS2 Chilterns tunnel looks like |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19618731.video-shows-first-mile-hs2-chilterns-tunnel-looks-like/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404192717/https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19618731.video-shows-first-mile-hs2-chilterns-tunnel-looks-like/ |archive-date=4 April 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022 |website=Bucks Free Press}}</ref><ref name="tunnellingstart">{{cite news |date=13 May 2021 |title=HS2 high-speed rail project begins underground tunnel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-57093884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512232434/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-57093884 |archive-date=12 May 2021 |access-date=13 May 2021 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The tunnels are lined with concrete that is cast in sections at a purpose-built facility at the southern portal; the first sections were cast in March 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 March 2021 |title=HS2 Casts First of 112,000 Chiltern Tunnel Wall Segments |url=https://railway-news.com/hs2-casts-first-of-112000-chiltern-tunnel-wall-segments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323014820/https://railway-news.com/hs2-casts-first-of-112000-chiltern-tunnel-wall-segments/ |archive-date=23 March 2021 |access-date=19 March 2021 |website=Railway-News}}</ref> Tunnelling began in May 2021, with TBM ''Florence'', moving at a speed of up to {{convert|15|m|abbr=on}} per day.<ref name="tunnellingstart" /> The second TBM, ''Cecilia'', was launched in July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Momentum builds as HS2 launches second giant tunnelling machine |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/momentum-builds-as-hs2-launches-second-giant-tunnelling-machine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701091324/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/momentum-builds-as-hs2-launches-second-giant-tunnelling-machine |archive-date=1 July 2021 |access-date=1 July 2021 |website=HS2 News and Information}}</ref> Florence, the first of two TBMs, completed tunnelling and broke through in late February 2024,<ref name="Longest-tunnel:10">{{Cite press release |title=Historic breakthrough for HS2's longest tunnel |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/breakthrough-for-hs2s-longest-tunnel |language=english |access-date=27 February 2024 |website=HS2 News and Information}}</ref> and in March 2024, the second TBM, Cecilia, completed tunnelling.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 March 2024 |title=HS2 hails 'remarkable achievement' as it completes excavation of longest tunnel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/hs2-florence-chiltern-hills-florence-nightingale-london-b2516655.html |access-date=21 March 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
==== Long Itchington Wood tunnel ====
In December 2021 TBM ''Dorothy'' was launched, tunnelling for {{convert|1|mi|km|sing=on}} under Long Itchington Wood. It completed the first bore in July 2022, and was returned to its initial position to complete the second, parallel bore.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=HS2 6-monthly report to Parliament: March 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hs2-6-monthly-report-to-parliament-march-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316142229/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hs2-6-monthly-report-to-parliament-march-2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=29 October 2021 |title=Breakthrough! Dorothy completes HS2 tunnel bore |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/breakthrough-dorothy-completes-hs2-tunnel-bore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830174822/https://www.modernrailways.com/article/breakthrough-dorothy-completes-hs2-tunnel-bore |archive-date=30 August 2022 |access-date=30 August 2022}}</ref> ''Dorothy'' started the second bore in November 2022, and finished it in March 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Griffiths |first1=Eliot |date=24 November 2022 |title=Dorothy's second tunnel boring mission begins underneath Long Itchington Wood |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/dorothys-second-tunnel-boring-mission-begins-underneath-long-itchington-wood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125221548/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/dorothys-second-tunnel-boring-mission-begins-underneath-long-itchington-wood |archive-date=25 January 2023 |access-date=26 January 2023 |magazine=Rail Technology Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 Tunnelling team celebrate milestone TBM breakthrough in Warwickshire |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-tunnelling-team-celebrate-milestone-tbm-breakthrough-in-warwickshire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621100600/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-tunnelling-team-celebrate-milestone-tbm-breakthrough-in-warwickshire |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023}}</ref>
==== Bromford tunnel ====
{{Main|Bromford tunnel}}
The {{convert|5.8|km|mi|disp=flip|adj=mid|-long}} Bromford tunnels from [[Water Orton]] in [[North Warwickshire]] to Birmingham are being bored by TBMs ''Mary Ann'' and ''Elizabeth''. ''Mary Ann'' started tunnelling in August 2023 and completed in May 2025, while ''Elizabeth'' started in March 2024 and will finish in autumn 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/the-last-hs2-tunnel-boring-machine-in-the-west-midlands-starts-digging-towards-birmingham|title=The last HS2 tunnel boring machine in the West Midlands starts digging towards Birmingham|website=HS2 News and Information}}</ref>
==Operation==
Earlier government proposals were that by 2033 HS2 would provide up to 18 trains an hour to and from London.<ref>{{cite web|title=High Speed Two From Concept to Reality July 2017|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629380/high-speed-two-from-concept-to-reality.pdf|website=GOV.UK|publisher=Department for Transport|access-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201082420/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629380/high-speed-two-from-concept-to-reality.pdf|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2020 business case contained a suggested service pattern, although this was never finalised. Some services were to operate as two connected units that would be subsequently detached to serve multiple northern destinations.<ref name="DoT-2020">{{Cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879445/full-business-case-hs2-phase-one.pdf|title=Full Business Case: High Speed 2 Phase One|date=15 April 2020|publisher=Department for Transport|pages=132–133|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423060936/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879445/full-business-case-hs2-phase-one.pdf|archive-date=23 April 2020|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
===Previously proposed service patterns===
{{Update|part=section|date=October 2023|reason=HS2 phases 2A and 2B have been cancelled}}
[[File:HS2 vector map.jpg|thumb|right|A map of proposed HS2 services with fully open Phase 2]]
After an initial period with reduced services north from Old Oak Common, a full nine-train-per-hour service from London Euston was proposed to operate after the opening of Phase 1.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Proposed service frequency from London to Birmingham
|-
! width="250" | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at !! Train<br />length
|-
| {{rws|London Euston}} – {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}} || 3 || {{rws|Old Oak Common}}, {{rws|Birmingham Interchange}} || 400{{nbsp}}m
|}
===Journey times===
Speaking in the House of Lords in December 2024, Rail Minister Lord Hendy stated that HS2 services had not been determined or finalised and that Euston Station will have six HS2 platforms.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.modernrailways.com/article/rail-minister-confirms-six-platform-plan-euston-hs2-station |title=Rail Minister confirms six platform plan for Euston HS2 station |date=18 December 2024 |work=Modern Railways |quote=the New HS2 station will consist of six platforms, which can support up to 10 HS2 trains per hour}}</ref> This is also in view of potentially upgrading Pendolino trains to {{cvt|155|mph}} for use on HS2 and WCML track to improve end-to-end times as suggested by rail consultants. Pendolino trains have a life limit of 2046 with upgrades.
===Operator===
The ongoing servicing and maintenance of HS2 was initially included within the [[West Coast Partnership]] [[Passenger rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise]], which was awarded to [[Avanti West Coast]]—a joint venture between [[FirstGroup]] and [[Trenitalia]]—when the franchise commenced in December 2019. Avanti West Coast would have been responsible for maintaining all aspects of the service, including ticketing, trains, and the maintenance of the infrastructure.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=West Coast Mainline and HS2 franchise race started|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/business-culture/west-coast-mainline-and-hs2-franchise-race-started/10029621.article|access-date=2 April 2018|magazine=New Civil Engineer|date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402225445/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/business-culture/west-coast-mainline-and-hs2-franchise-race-started/10029621.article|archive-date=2 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643|title=New West Coast rail franchise to run HS2 services|date=4 November 2016|publisher=BBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107060803/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643|archive-date=7 November 2016|access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> Following the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]], the Labour party committed itself to ending the [[Passenger rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise model]] and renationalising operators. Avanti West Coast's contract is not planned to be extended beyond the end of its core term on 18 October 2026.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Benson |first=Michael |date=2025-01-08 |title=When will my local train operator be nationalised? |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/when-will-my-local-train-operator-be-nationalised/ |journal=House of Commons Library |language=en-GB}}</ref>
===Fares===
The government has stated that it would "assume a fares structure in line with that of the existing railway", and HS2 should attract sufficient passengers to not have to charge premium fares.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296|title=High-speed rail's long journey|date=17 March 2014|access-date=21 June 2018 |publisher=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430214825/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296|archive-date=30 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Paul Chapman, in charge of HS2's public relations strategy, suggested that there could be last-minute tickets sold at discount rates. He said, "when you have got a train departing on a regular basis, maybe every five or ten minutes, in that last half-hour before the train leaves and you have got empty seats...you can start selling tickets for £5 and £10 at a standby rate."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hs2-tickets-could-cost-little-6324870 |title=HS2 tickets could cost as little as five pounds |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=15 November 2015 |work = Manchester Evening News | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020400/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hs2-tickets-could-cost-little-6324870 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Capacity===
{{Update|part=section|date=March 2025|reason=reflecting the October 2023 cancellation of the whole of Phase 2}}
{|class="wikitable sortable floatright"
|+ Peak hour capacity at Euston<ref name="tele15102016">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/15/hs2-should-be-renamed-the-grand-union-railway-as-the-controversi/ | url-access = subscription |title=HS2 should be renamed 'Grand Union Railway'| last1 = McCann| first1 = Kate|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=15 October 2016|access-date=14 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824121554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/15/hs2-should-be-renamed-the-grand-union-railway-as-the-controversi/|archive-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! Type
! Current capacity
! Capacity post{{nbh}}HS2
|-
| Slow commuter||3,900||6,500
|-
|Fast commuter||1,600||6,800
|-
|Intercity||5,800||1,800
|-
|High-speed||0||19,800
|- style="font-weight:bold"
|Total||11,300||34,900
|}
HS2 was planned in the 2010s to carry up to 26,000 people per hour.<ref name=govannouncement/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/analysis/single-news/view/competition-is-key-as-high-speed-rail-keeps-growing.html|title=Competition is key as high-speed rail keeps growing|publisher=DVV Media International Ltd|website=Railway Gazette|date=15 May 2018|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728222412/https://www.railwaygazette.com/analysis/single-news/view/competition-is-key-as-high-speed-rail-keeps-growing.html|archive-date=28 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The line would be used intensively, with up to 17 trains per hour travelling to and from Euston. As all trains would be capable of the same speed, capacity is increased as faster trains will not need to reduce speed for slower freight and commuter trains.
By diverting the fastest services to HS2, capacity is released on the West Coast Main Line, allowing for more slow freight trains, local, regional, and commuter services.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=130}} Andrew McNaughton, Chief Technical Director, said, "Basically, as a dedicated passenger railway, we can carry more people per hour than two motorways. It's phenomenal capacity. It pretty much triples the number of seats long-distance to the North of England".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railengineer.uk/2015/11/05/hs2-the-story-so-far/ |title=HS2 – The story so far |date=5 November 2015 |access-date=27 December 2015 | work = Rail Engineer | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105111404/http://www.railengineer.uk/2015/11/05/hs2-the-story-so-far/ |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Infrastructure===
The DfT report on High Speed Rail published in March 2010 sets out the specifications for a high-speed line. It will be built to a Continental European [[structure gauge]] (as was HS1) and will conform to [[Trans-European high-speed rail network|European Union technical standards for interoperability for high-speed rail]].{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=127 s.8.4}} HS2 is being built with a [[Loading gauge#European standards|UIC GC]] loading gauge (also assumed for passenger capacity estimations){{Sfn|HS2 Report|2010|p=40–41 Chapter 2, section 2.3.11}} with a maximum design speed of {{convert|250|mph|round=5|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=127}} Initially, trains would reach a maximum speed of {{convert|225|mph|round=5|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=129}}
Signalling will be based on the [[European Rail Traffic Management System]] (ERTMS) with in-cab signalling, in order to resolve the visibility issues associated with lineside signals at speeds over {{convert|125|mph|round=5|abbr=on|order=flip}}. [[ETCS]] Level 2 will be used on the line, with [[automatic train operation]] (ATO) operating at GoA2 (Grade of Automation 2), where trains will be semi-automatic (on the HS2 line alone, with drivers operating the doors, driving the train if needed and handling emergencies). [[GSM-R]] will be used for operational communications.<ref name="Contracts-2022">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2022 |title=Railway systems contracts – scope document 'Compendium Version' |url=https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Railway-Systems-Scope-Document.pdf |website=High Speed 2}}</ref>
Electrification at {{25 kV 50 Hz AC}} will be provided by overhead lines, designed to [[SNCF]] Reseau's V360 standard, on licence to contractors.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2 July 2020 |title=SNCF catenary design adopted as HS2 begins electrification procurement |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/sncf-catenary-design-adopted-as-hs2-begins-electrification-procurement/56874.article |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref>
The line will use pre-cast [[slab track]] on most open sections, with the Slab Track Austria system supplied by [[Porr|PORR]], except in tunnels and stations where cast in situ track will be used.<ref name="Contracts-2022" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=PORR slab track technology for High Speed Two (HS2) |url=https://porr-group.com/en/projects/porr-slab-track-technology-for-high-speed-two-hs2/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=porr-group.com |language=en}}</ref>
At first, platform height was to be {{convert|760|mm|ftin}}, which is one of the European standard heights;<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hs2.org.uk/about-hsr |publisher= High Speed 2 Ltd |title= About High Speed Rail |at= Table 3 |access-date= 9 February 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100314164105/http://www.hs2.org.uk/about-hsr |archive-date= 14 March 2010}}</ref> however, new HS2 stations will use a platform height of {{convert|1115|mm|ftin}} to improve accessibility and allow for step-free, level access.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2016-12-08/HL3980/ |title=High Speed 2 Railway Line:Written question – HL3980 |access-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221065356/https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2016-12-08/HL3980/ |archive-date=21 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Trains continuing on to the conventional rail network will encounter platforms at the standard UK height of {{convert|915|mm|ftin}} with some variation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament|url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-10-01/HL10382|access-date=3 December 2021|website=questions-statements.parliament.uk|language=en|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203125338/https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-10-01/HL10382|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Rolling stock===
{{Main|British Rail Class 895}}
[[File:HS2 train.jpg|thumb|Proposed design of HS2 rolling stock by Hitachi and Alstom joint venture]]
A procurement process was undertaken between 2017 and 2021 for the manufacture and maintenance of 54 high speed trains. Of five tenderers, a £1.97{{nbsp}}billion contract was awarded to a joint venture between [[Alstom]] and [[Hitachi Rail]] in December 2021. The contract covers design, construction and an initial 12-year maintenance period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 December 2021 |title=Hitachi and Alstom win order to build and maintain High Speed Two trains in Britain |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2021/12/hitachi-and-alstom-win-order-build-and-maintain-high-speed-two-trains-britain |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Alstom |language=en}}</ref> The trains will be based on an evolution of the [[Bombardier Zefiro#Zefiro 300|Zefiro V300]] platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=Case M.9779 – Alstom / Bombardier Transportation |url=https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases1/20215/m9779_2816_2.pdf |date=31 July 2020 |pages=61, 237, 276 |website=European Commission |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-date=8 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208163828/https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases1/20215/m9779_2816_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
Vehicle bodies will be welded and fitted out at the Hitachi facility in [[Newton Aycliffe]], [[bogie]]s will be manufactured at the Alstom facility in Crewe, and the final assembly of body, bogies, and other systems will take place at Alstom in Derby.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/hitachi-rail-global/pressreleases/hitachi-and-alstom-win-order-to-build-and-maintain-high-speed-two-trains-in-britain-3149776 | date = 9 December 2021 | title = Hitachi and Alstom win order to build and maintain High Speed Two trains in Britain | publisher = Hitachi-Alstom | access-date = 10 December 2021 | archive-date = 9 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211209111722/https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/hitachi-rail-global/pressreleases/hitachi-and-alstom-win-order-to-build-and-maintain-high-speed-two-trains-in-britain-3149776 | url-status = live }}</ref> The design of the trains is still undergoing finalisation, with full production starting around 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trains |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/trains/ |access-date=18 May 2025 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Trains would have a maximum speed of at least {{convert|360|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}} and a length of {{convert|200|m}}; two units could be joined for a {{convert|400|m|adj=on}} train.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=129}}
==== Preliminary studies ====
Alstom – together with Bombardier, the winner of the contract – proposed in October 2016 that HS2 "[[tilting train]]s" could operate on HS2 and on conventional tracks, to reduce end-to-end journey time, as speeds would rise when operating on conventional tracks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tilting trains could run from HS2 onto the rest of the rail network |url=https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/tilting-trains-could-run-from-hs2-onto-the-rest-of-the-rail-network |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522114511/https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/tilting-trains-could-run-from-hs2-onto-the-rest-of-the-rail-network |archive-date=22 May 2018 |access-date=21 May 2018 |website=www.imeche.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Robert |last2=Plimmer |first2=Gill |date=20 September 2016 |title=Alstom claims tilting train can solve HS2's speed conundrum |url=https://www.ft.com/content/77ba6e10-7c36-11e6-b837-eb4b4333ee43 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521021204/https://www.ft.com/content/77ba6e10-7c36-11e6-b837-eb4b4333ee43 |archive-date=21 May 2018 |access-date=20 May 2018 |work=Financial Times}}</ref>
The 2010 DfT government command-paper explored requirements for the train design among its recommendations for design standards for the HS2 network. The paper addressed the particular problem of designing trains to continental European standards, which use taller and wider rolling stock, compared to the loading gauges that exist in the rail network in Great Britain, meaning both trains which would remain on the HS2 line, built to larger, continental European profile ('captive' trains), and smaller trains which could leave the line onto the existing network ('conventional-compatible' trains) were proposed.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2012 |title=Review of the Technical Specification for High Speed Rail in the UK A report to Government by HS2 Ltd |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/8083/hs2-review-of_technical-specification.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726141105/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/8083/hs2-review-of_technical-specification.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2019 |access-date=4 March 2020 |website=Gov.UK |publisher=HS2 Ltd/Department for Transport}}</ref>
The DfT report also considered the possibility of "gauge clearance" work on non-high-speed lines as an alternative to conventional trains. This work would involve extensive reconstruction of stations, tunnels, and bridges, and the widening of clearances to allow continental European–profile trains to operate beyond the high-speed network. The report concluded that, although initial outlay on commissioning new rolling stock would be high, it would cost less than the widespread disruption of rebuilding large tracts of Britain's rail infrastructure.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=129}}
The estimated cost of energy for operating HS2 trains on the high-speed network was estimated in 2013 to be £3.90 per km for {{convert|200|m|4=0|adj=on}} long trains and £5.00 per km for {{convert|260|m|4=0|adj=on}} long trains. When running on the conventional network, the energy costs were estimated at £2.00 per km and £2.60 per km, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 Cost and Risk Model Report |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69741/hs2-cost-and-risk-model-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020074728/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69741/hs2-cost-and-risk-model-report.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2013 |access-date=30 December 2015 |work=HS2 Ltd. |page=20}}</ref>
====Procurement timeline====
The [[rolling stock]] for HS2 was specified in the Train Technical Specification issued with the invitation to tender, which was initially published in July 2018, and revised in March 2019 following clarification questions from tenderers.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/794108/HS2-HS2-RR-SPE-000-000007_P11_TTS_Main_Body__External_.pdf|title=Train Technical Specification|publisher=HS2|access-date=8 September 2020|archive-date=25 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725162242/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/794108/HS2-HS2-RR-SPE-000-000007_P11_TTS_Main_Body__External_.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Bidding for the contract to design, build, and maintain the trains was opened in 2017 and was originally expected to be awarded in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Supplies – 151144-2017 – TED Tenders Electronic Daily|url=https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:151144-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&tabId=1|access-date=8 September 2020|website=ted.europa.eu|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916223350/https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED%3ANOTICE%3A151144-2017%3ATEXT%3AEN%3AHTML&tabId=1|url-status=live}}</ref>
The following suppliers were shortlisted to tender following the initial 5 June 2019 submission:<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 June 2019|title=High Speed 2 rolling stock bids submitted|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/high-speed-2-rolling-stock-bids-submitted/48662.article|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809143614/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/high-speed-2-rolling-stock-bids-submitted/48662.article|archive-date=9 August 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Railway Gazette International|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Alstom Transport]]
* [[Bombardier Transportation]] and [[Hitachi Rail|Hitachi Rail Europe]] consortium. Bombardier were subsequently acquired by Alstom Transport in January 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title= Alstom completes acquisition of Bombardier Transportation |url= https://www.railway-technology.com/news/alstom-acquisition-bombardier-transportation/ |access-date= 26 May 2021 |author= |date= 29 January 2021 |format= |work= Railway-technology.com |publisher= Verdict Media |archive-date= 11 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210611145030/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/alstom-acquisition-bombardier-transportation/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Bombardier and Hitachi were existing suppliers of [[Frecciarossa 1000]] rolling stock for the Italian [[Frecciarossa]] high speed service.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://rail.bombardier.com/en/newsroom/press-releases.html/bombardier/news/2019/bt-20190605_hs2-bombardier-and-hitachi-bid-to-build-trains/en | title = HS2: Bombardier and Hitachi bid to build trains | date = 5 June 2019 | access-date = 10 December 2021 | publisher = Hitachi-Bombardier | archive-date = 10 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211210144110/https://rail.bombardier.com/en/newsroom/press-releases.html/bombardier/news/2019/bt-20190605_hs2-bombardier-and-hitachi-bid-to-build-trains/en | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles]] (CAF)
* [[Patentes Talgo]] proposed its [[Talgo AVRIL|AVRIL]] train used by Spanish operator [[Renfe]].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/talgo-confirms-avril-as-the-basis-of-its-hs2-bid/ | title = Talgo confirms AVRIL as the basis of its HS2 bid | first1 = Danny | last1 = Longhorn | date = 11 June 2019 | access-date = 10 December 2021 | newspaper = Rail Business Daily | archive-date = 10 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211210205849/https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/talgo-confirms-avril-as-the-basis-of-its-hs2-bid/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[Siemens Mobility]]
In September 2021, the HS2 board endorsed the decision to award the rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance contracts.<ref>{{cite web |title=High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd board meeting minutes: 28 September 2021 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034767/210928_HS2_Board_Minutes_Redacted.pdf |date=28 September 2021 |website=HS2 Our governance |access-date=5 December 2022 |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006231043/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034767/210928_HS2_Board_Minutes_Redacted.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Maintenance depots===
A rolling-stock depot will be [[Washwood Heath depot|built in Washwood Heath]], Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot (Washwood Heath Depot) |url=https://hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/washwood-heath-depot/details |website=hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is |access-date=31 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075722/https://hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/washwood-heath-depot/details |archive-date=1 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The infrastructure maintenance depot will be constructed roughly halfway along the route, north of Aylesbury, between [[Steeple Claydon]] and [[Calvert, Buckinghamshire|Calvert]] in Buckinghamshire. This site is adjacent to the intersection of HS2 and the [[East West Rail]] route.<ref>{{cite report |title=HS2 Phase One Environmental Statement – Non-technical summary |date=November 2013 |publisher=DfT |pages=20, 27 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |access-date=21 October 2018 |ref=Phase1NTS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021152935/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Funding==
{{update|part=section|date=November 2021|reason=relating to the Nov 2021 Integrated Rail Plan}}
The DfT initially estimated the cost of the first {{convert|120|mi|adj=on|sigfig=2|order=flip}} section, from London to Birmingham, at between £15.8 and £17.4{{nbsp}}billion,<ref name="BBC 11/3/10">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8561286.stm |publisher=BBC News |title=High-speed rail plans announced |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=14 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026173437/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8561286.stm |archive-date=26 October 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the entire Y-shaped {{convert|335|mi|adj=on|-1|order=flip}} network at between £30.9 and £36{{nbsp}}billion,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69741/hs2-cost-and-risk-model-report.pdf|title=HS2 Cost and Risk Model Report: A report to Government by HS2 Ltd|work=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|date=March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104085755/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69741/hs2-cost-and-risk-model-report.pdf|archive-date=4 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC 11/3/10" /> not including the Manchester Airport station which would be locally funded.<ref name="manc-airport-2013">{{cite web|title=Manchester Airport High Speed Station|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382000/HS2_Phase_Two_Manchester_Airport_High_Speed_station_factsheet.pdf|website=UK Government website|publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218104221/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382000/HS2_Phase_Two_Manchester_Airport_High_Speed_station_factsheet.pdf|archive-date=18 December 2017|date=2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2013, the projected cost (in 2011 prices) rose by £10{{nbsp}}billion, to £42.6{{nbsp}}billion, with an extra £7.5{{nbsp}}billion budgeted for rolling stock, for a total of £50.1{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=26 June 2013 |title=Cost of HS2 up £10bn to £42.6bn, transport secretary tells MPs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jun/26/hs2-costs-escalate-mps-told |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=1 July 2013 |___location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031004157/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jun/26/hs2-costs-escalate-mps-told |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Less than a week later, it was revealed that the DfT had been using an outdated model to estimate the productivity increases associated with the railway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pickard |first=Jim |date=1 July 2013 |title=Growth of handheld computers hits economic argument for HS2 |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/79412d4e-e276-11e2-87ec-00144feabdc0.html |work=Financial Times |___location=London |access-date=1 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704063845/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/79412d4e-e276-11e2-87ec-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=4 July 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, the most commonly cited cost applied to the project was £56.6{{nbsp}}billion, which corresponds to the June 2013 funding package, as adjusted for inflation by the [[Economic Affairs Committee (House of Lords)|House of Lords' Economic Affairs Committee]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldselect/ldeconaf/134/13406.htm|title=House of Lords – The Economics of High Speed 2 – Economic Affairs Committee|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730072749/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldselect/ldeconaf/134/13406.htm|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Over sixty years, the line was estimated to provide £92.2{{nbsp}}billion of net benefits and £43.6{{nbsp}}billion in new revenue. As a result, the [[benefit–cost ratio]] of the project was then estimated to be 2.30; that is, it is projected to provide £2.30 of benefits for every £1 spent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldselect/ldeconaf/134/13412.htm#a37|title=House of Lords – The Economics of High Speed 2 – Economic Affairs Committee|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027144910/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldselect/ldeconaf/134/13412.htm#a37|archive-date=27 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Cost increases have led to reductions in the planned track; for instance, the link between HS1 and HS2 was later dropped on cost grounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/government-decides-to-drop-700m-hs2-to-hs1-link/5067278.article|title=Government decides to drop £700m HS2 to HS1 link|first=Iain|last=Withers|date=17 March 2014|website=Building|access-date=4 October 2023|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921234252/https://www.building.co.uk/news/government-decides-to-drop-700m-hs2-to-hs1-link/5067278.article|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2016 [[Sir Jeremy Heywood]], a senior civil servant, was reviewing the HS2 project to trim costs and gauge whether the project could be kept within budget.<ref>{{cite web | first1 = Mark | last1 = Leftly |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/02/top-uk-civil-servant-reviews-hs2-project |title=Top UK civil servant reviews HS2 project | UK news |work=The Guardian |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=26 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818165054/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/02/top-uk-civil-servant-reviews-hs2-project |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first1 = Andrew | last1 = Gilligan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/14/hs2-may-not-even-reach-manchester-as-department-for-transport-fa/ | url-access = subscription |title=HS2 may not even reach Manchester as Department for Transport faces having project taken out of its control |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 May 2016 |access-date=26 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909064550/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/14/hs2-may-not-even-reach-manchester-as-department-for-transport-fa/ |archive-date=9 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The cost of HS2 is around 25 per cent higher than the international average, which was blamed on the higher population density and cost of land, in a report by [[PwC]]. The costs are also higher because the line will be built directly into city centres instead of joining existing networks on the outskirts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paton |first=Graeme |title=HS2 set to cost 25% more than overseas rail schemes |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/hs2-set-to-cost-25-more-than-overseas-rail-schemes-bq35jgqk8 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The Times |date=19 October 2018 |access-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026104406/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hs2-set-to-cost-25-more-than-overseas-rail-schemes-bq35jgqk8 |archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> By 2019, Oakervee estimated that the projected cost, in 2019 prices, had increased from £80.7{{nbsp}}billion to £87.7{{nbsp}}billion{{mdash}}the budget in 2019 prices was at the time of the Oakervee Review only £62.4{{nbsp}}billion{{mdash}}and the benefit–cost ratio had dropped to between 1.3 and 1.5.<ref name="Oakervee-Review" /> [[Anthony Gueterbock, 18th Baron Berkeley|Lord Berkeley]], the deputy chair of the Oakervee Review, disagreed with Oakervee's findings and suggested that the cost of the project could now be as high as £170{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paton |first=Graeme |title=HS2 'on track to cost taxpayer £170bn' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/hs2-on-track-to-cost-taxpayer-170bn-jw090hlw9 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The Times |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105014455/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/hs2-on-track-to-cost-taxpayer-170bn-jw090hlw9 |archive-date=5 November 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, the budget envelope set out by the DfT is £98{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Horgan |first=Rob |title=HS2 {{!}} DfT slams review deputy's £170bn cost estimate as 'baseless' and 'false' |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-dft-slams-review-deputys-170bn-cost-estimate-as-baseless-and-false-05-11-2020/ |date=5 November 2020 |access-date=6 November 2020|magazine=New Civil Engineer |archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105201912/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-dft-slams-review-deputys-170bn-cost-estimate-as-baseless-and-false-05-11-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> HS2 Ltd tapped into a £4.3{{nbsp}}billion contingency fund to meet £1.7{{nbsp}}billion of extra costs resulting from delays caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plimmer |first1=Gill |last2=Pickard |first2=Jim |title=HS2 costs rise by further £1.7bn during pandemic |url=https://www.ft.com/content/510f2a02-e9a1-4d21-a5ad-773e1824cb44 |date=20 June 2021 |work=Financial Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712003312/https://www.ft.com/content/510f2a02-e9a1-4d21-a5ad-773e1824cb44 |url-status=live}}</ref> The benefit cost ratio for the whole project was last officially estimated at 1.1 for the whole project in July 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Crewe – Manchester – Supplement to the Update on the SOBC |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1084080/hs2-phase-2b-western-leg-crewe-to-manchester-supplement-to-the-update-on-the-strategic-outline-business-case.pdf |access-date=25 September 2023 |publisher=Department for Transport |page=22 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601120135/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1084080/hs2-phase-2b-western-leg-crewe-to-manchester-supplement-to-the-update-on-the-strategic-outline-business-case.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2023 |title=High Speed 2 Line: Cost Benefit Analysis |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-04-24/hl7388 |access-date=25 September 2023 |website=UK Parliament - Written questions, answers and statements |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925180820/https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-04-24/hl7388 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Sources of funding other than central government have been mooted for additional links. The City of Liverpool, omitted from direct HS2 access, in March 2016 offered £2{{nbsp}}billion to fund a link from the city to the HS2 backbone {{convert|20|mi|km}} away.<ref name="Topham-2016" /> HS2 received funding from the [[European Union]]'s [[Connecting Europe Facility]].<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 secures EU funding |url=https://www.globalrailnews.com/2015/07/15/hs2-secures-eu-funding/ |date=15 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106173153/https://www.globalrailnews.com/2015/07/15/hs2-secures-eu-funding/ |archive-date=6 January 2017| url-status=live |website=Rail UK |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
===Wales' classification===
HS2's classification as an "[[England and Wales]]" project had been criticised by MPs,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 February 2020|title=Wales is paying for HS2 but it will harm our economy - we must receive the £5 billion we are owed|url=https://nation.cymru/opinion/wales-is-paying-for-hs2-but-it-will-harm-our-economy-we-must-receive-the-5-billion-we-are-owed/|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Nation.Cymru|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130451/https://nation.cymru/opinion/wales-is-paying-for-hs2-but-it-will-harm-our-economy-we-must-receive-the-5-billion-we-are-owed/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Plaid Cymru]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 June 2024 |title=Plaid Cymru launch General Election manifesto with bid for £4bn HS2 compensation |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2024-06-12/plaid-cymru-pledge-to-fight-for-economic-fairness-for-wales-in-manifesto |work=[[ITV News]]}}</ref> and past [[Welsh Government]] ministers, arguing that HS2's classification over Wales has little justification. They argue this is because there is no dedicated high-speed or conventional infrastructure of HS2 planned in Wales and minimal HS2 services to the north of Wales. A DfT study detailed that HS2 was forecasted to have a "negative [[Economy of Wales|economic impact on Wales]]", as well as on [[Bristol]] in England.{{Cn|date=February 2025}}
Rail infrastructure is not [[Welsh devolution|devolved to Wales]], therefore devolved authorities are entitled to less of the [[Barnett Formula]], when funding is increased to the [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved administrations]] in proportion to an increase in funding for England or, in this case, England and Wales. The Welsh Government has stated that it wants its "fair share" from HS2's billions in funding, which the Welsh Government stated would be roughly £5{{nbsp}}billion in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Barry|first1=Sion|date=26 August 2020|title=Wales will not get multi-billion pound HS2 consequential says Grant Shapps|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/wales-not-multi-billion-high-18830362|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Business Live|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130518/https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/wales-not-multi-billion-high-18830362|url-status=live}}</ref> By February 2020 the Welsh government received £755{{nbsp}}million in HS2-linked funding, with the UK Government stating it was "investing record amounts in Wales' railway infrastructure" and that the Welsh government has actually received a "significant uplift" in Barnett-based funding due to the UK Government's increased funding of HS2.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Codd |first1=Fintan |last2=Pickett |first2=Lewis |last3=Keep |first3=Matthew |title=Transport funding for Wales and HS2 |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2021-0168/ |date=28 November 2021 |website=UK Parliament |language=en-GB |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202080946/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2021-0168/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Simon Hart]], [[Secretary of State for Wales]], stated that Network Rail would invest £1.5{{nbsp}}billion in Wales' railways between 2019 and 2024.<ref name="BBC News-11/2/20">{{cite news|date=11 February 2020|title=HS2: Outrageous rail project will not benefit Wales, transport expert says|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51460737|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130453/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51460737|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the cancelling of Phase 2, Wales' estimated claim was reduced to £3.9{{nbsp}}billion. [[Mark Drakeford]] while as First Minister considered legal action in the courts over the issue, however following his replacement, the Welsh Government dropped their calls for legal action. While in June 2024, the Welsh Government reduced the claimed figure to £350{{nbsp}}million, stating difficulties with estimating the consequential. Labour's [[Shadow Secretary of State for Wales]], [[Jo Stevens]], claimed HS2 is "no longer in existence", when questioned on Wales' funding issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Emily |date=27 June 2024 |title=Welsh Government recalculates sum owed in HS2 consequentials to just £350m |url=https://nation.cymru/news/welsh-government-recalculates-sum-owed-in-hs2-consequentials-to-just-350m/ |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2020, trains between north Wales and London take roughly 3{{nbsp}}hours and 45{{nbsp}}minutes, with HS2 set to decrease the travel time between Crewe and London by thirty{{nbsp}}minutes. However, with no confirmed services directly between Euston and north Wales, passengers could be required to change at Crewe, and use the [[North Wales Main Line]] between Crewe and [[Holyhead railway station|Holyhead]], where any improvements have failed to receive funding.<ref name="BBC News-11/2/20" />
The DfT study estimated that the [[South Wales]] economy could lose up to £200{{nbsp}}million per year, due to the [[Cardiff Capital Region|region's]] "inferior transport infrastructure". The same study highlighted that north Wales could benefit from faster journey times and a potential boost for the region's economy, with the DfT forecasting a benefit of £50{{nbsp}}million from HS2, although with a potential £150{{nbsp}}million negative economic impact to Wales overall. First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford described in a letter to Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] that [[Transport in Wales#Railways|Wales' railway system]] has been "systematically neglected" and that HS2's funding further contributes to it. HS2 has increased calls for Wales' rail infrastructure to be fully [[Devolved matter|devolved]], as it is in Scotland.<ref name="The National Wales" />
In July 2021 the [[Welsh Affairs Committee]] advised that HS2 should be reclassified as an "England only" project, allowing Wales to be entitled to its Barnett Formula, in line with Scotland and [[Northern Ireland]]; but the committee also called for the establishment of a "Wales Rail Board" instead of devolving rail infrastructure to Wales, and for the upgrading of the North Wales Main Line.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Barry|first1=Sion|date=14 July 2021|title=HS2 should be reclassed as an England only project says Welsh Affairs Committee|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/high-speed-rail-should-reclassed-21041810|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Business Live|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130506/https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/high-speed-rail-should-reclassed-21041810|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The National Wales">{{Cite web|title=HS2 rail scheme should be reclassified as 'England only project' say MPs|url=https://www.thenational.wales/news/19440313.hs2-rail-scheme-reclassified-england-project-say-mps/|access-date=28 November 2021|website=The National Wales|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130453/https://www.thenational.wales/news/19440313.hs2-rail-scheme-reclassified-england-project-say-mps/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Perspectives==
===Government rationale===
A 2008 paper, "Delivering a Sustainable Transport System", identified fourteen strategic national transport corridors in England, and described the London{{spaced ndash}}[[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]]{{spaced ndash}}[[North West England]] route as the "single most important and heavily used" and also as the one which presented "both the greatest challenges in terms of future capacity and the greatest opportunities to promote a shift of passenger and freight traffic from road to rail".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/dasts/dastsreport.pdf|title=Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (DaSTS)|date=November 2008|publisher=Department for Transport|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081230052656/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/dasts/dastsreport.pdf|archive-date=30 December 2008}}</ref>{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=12 para. 31}} The paper noted that railway passenger numbers had been growing significantly in recent years—doubling from 1995 to 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atoc.org/download/clientfiles/files/Rail%20industry%20dataset%20-RDG%20-%20with%20cover.pdf|title=GB rail: dataset on financial and operational performance 1997–98 – 2012–13|work=Association of Train Operating Companies|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706124300/http://www.atoc.org/download/clientfiles/files/Rail%20industry%20dataset%20-RDG%20-%20with%20cover.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2017}}</ref>—and that the Rugby{{spaced ndash}}Euston section was expected to have insufficient capacity sometime around 2025.{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=5 para. 6}} This is despite the [[West Coast Main Line#Modernisation by Network Rail|West Coast Main Line upgrade]] on some sections of the track—which was completed in 2008—lengthened trains, and an assumption that plans to upgrade the route with [[cab signalling]] would be realised.{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=12 para. 34}}
According to the DfT, the primary purpose of HS2 is to provide additional capacity on the rail network from London to the Midlands and North.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/local_transport_today/news/?id=29427 |title=HS2 isn't about reducing CO2 or the North-South divide, says DfT |work=TransportXtra |___location=London |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615061444/http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/local_transport_today/news/?id=29427 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It says the new line "would improve rail services from London to cities in the North of England and Scotland,{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=4 para. 5}} and that the chosen route to the west of London will improve passenger transport links to [[Heathrow Airport]]".{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=17 para. 41}}{{verify quote|reason=This seems to be two separate quotations from different pages smooshed into one but with separate citations. It should be two quotations with one citation each|date=August 2021}} Additionally, the new line will be connected to the Great Western Main Line and [[Crossrail]] at Old Oak Common railway station; this will provide links with East and West London and the Thames Valley.{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=18 para. 43}}
In launching the project, the DfT announced that HS2 between London and the West Midlands would follow a different alignment from the West Coast Main Line, rejecting the option of further upgrading or building new tracks alongside the West Coast Main Line as being too costly and disruptive, and because the [[Victorian-era]] West Coast Main Line alignment was unsuitable for very high speeds.{{Sfn|DfT|2009|p=16 para. 36}} A study by Network Rail found that upgrading the existing network to deliver the same extra capacity released by constructing HS2 would require fifteen years of weekend closures. This does not include the additional express seats added by HS2, nor would it deliver any journey time reductions.<ref name="The Independent-2020">{{Cite web|title=Upgrading existing railways instead of building HS2 would cause 'absurd disruption' for passengers, Network Rail chief warns|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hs2-network-rail-boris-johnson-train-updgrade-network-travel-disruption-a9292776.html|date=20 January 2020|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307091231/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hs2-network-rail-boris-johnson-train-updgrade-network-travel-disruption-a9292776.html|archive-date=7 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Support===
{{Main|List of support for High Speed 2}}
HS2 is officially supported by the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]], the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] and, since September 2024, the [[Green Party of England and Wales]].<ref name="NCE-2019">{{cite magazine |last1=Sholli |first1=Sam |title=General election: Where parties stand on HS2, Heathrow and net zero goal |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/general-election-where-parties-stand-on-hs2-heathrow-and-net-zero-goal-31-10-2019/ |access-date=25 July 2020 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |date=31 October 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105103546/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/general-election-where-parties-stand-on-hs2-heathrow-and-net-zero-goal-31-10-2019/ |archive-date=5 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government]] formed in May 2010 stated, in its initial programme for government, its commitment to creating a high-speed rail network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_187876.pdf |title=The Coalition: our programme for government |page=31 |publisher=HM Government |date=May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612015906/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/%40dg/%40en/documents/digitalasset/dg_187876.pdf |archive-date=12 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title= The North Must Benefit from HS2 Say Greens |url= https://greenparty.org.uk/2024/09/08/the-north-must-benefit-from-hs2-say-greens/ |___location= Manchester, United Kingdom|publisher= Green Party of England and Wales |agency= |date= 10 August 2024 |access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref>
In a report brought out in 2019, the High Speed Rail Industry Leaders group (HSRIL) stated that in order to meet 2050 carbon emissions targets, HS2 must be built.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devereux |first1=Nigel |title=Leaked draft confirms Oakervee support for full HS2 route |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/9186/leaked-draft-confirms-oakervee-support-for-full-hs2-route/ |access-date=25 July 2020 |work=The Railway Hub |date=2 November 2019 |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916223402/https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/9186/leaked-draft-confirms-oakervee-support-for-full-hs2-route/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Network Rail support the project and state that upgrading the existing network instead of building HS2 would take longer and cause more disruption to passengers.<ref name="The Independent-2020" />
===Opposition===
{{Main|List of opposition to High Speed 2}}
Until September 2024 Green Party policy was that the party would scrap HS2 and spend the money saved on local transport links.<ref name="NCE-2019"/> [[Reform UK]] and the [[UK Independence Party]] also oppose the scheme.<ref>{{cite news |title=UKIP set to make HS2 an issue in local elections |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/04/07-ukip-set-to-make-hs2.html |access-date=25 July 2020 |work=Rail News |date=7 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924084502/http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/04/07-ukip-set-to-make-hs2.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reporters |first1=Telegraph |title=Brexit Party manifesto 2019: key policies, at a glance |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/0/brexit-party-manifesto-2019-general-election-guide/ | url-access = subscription |work=The Telegraph |date=9 December 2019 |access-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230052638/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/0/brexit-party-manifesto-2019-general-election-guide/ |archive-date=30 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017|2017 act]] allowed HS2 Ltd. the power to acquire land. In a document that ran to 50,000{{nbsp}}pages it gave local councils the power to petition for design changes and to hold up work if they were unhappy. <ref name=econ2024>{{cite web|author=The Economist|title=The Horror Story of HS2|url=https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/02/15/the-horror-story-of-hs2|publisher=The Economist|date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215164002/https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/02/15/the-horror-story-of-hs2|archive-date=15 February 2024}}</ref> Eighteen councils affected by the planned route set up the 51M group, named for the cost of HS2 for each individual constituency in millions of pounds.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jenkins |first1=Simon |title=HS2: the zombie train that refuses to die |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/07/hs2-the-zombie-train-that-refuses-to-die |access-date=25 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508083021/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/07/hs2-the-zombie-train-that-refuses-to-die |archive-date=8 May 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Between 2017 and the beginning of 2024 HS2 had to obtain more than 8,000 planning and environmental consents and has gone to court more than 20 times.<ref name=econ2024 /> Before he became prime minister, Boris Johnson was personally against HS2.<ref name="NCE-2019"/> Other former and current Conservative MPs against HS2 include [[Cheryl Gillan]] and [[Liam Fox]].<ref name="Gillan">{{cite news|last1=Bamford|first1=Thomas|date=21 October 2019|title=Dame Cheryl Gillan MP visits Great Missenden HS2 protesters|language=en|work=Bucks Herald|url=https://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/people/dame-cheryl-gillan-mp-visits-great-missenden-hs2-protesters-821777|access-date=25 July 2020|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916223351/https://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/people/dame-cheryl-gillan-mp-visits-great-missenden-hs2-protesters-821777|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Watts|first1=Joseph|date=4 July 2016|title=Liam Fox will 'scrap HS2' if he becomes PM|language=en|work=Evening Standard|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/liam-fox-ill-scrap-hs2-if-i-become-pm-a3287531.html|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704225113/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/liam-fox-ill-scrap-hs2-if-i-become-pm-a3287531.html|archive-date=4 July 2016}}</ref>
[[Stop HS2]] was set up in 2010 to co-ordinate local opposition and campaign on the national level against HS2.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wolmar |first1=Christian |title=What's the point of HS2? |url=https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v36/n08/christian-wolmar/what-s-the-point-of-hs2 |access-date=24 July 2020 |work=London Review of Books |date=16 April 2014 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311092425/https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v36/n08/christian-wolmar/what-s-the-point-of-hs2 |archive-date=11 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2020 it organised a "Rebel Trail" with [[Extinction Rebellion]], which was a protest march of {{convert|125|mi|sigfig=2}} from Birmingham to London, stopping at camps in [[Warwickshire]], [[Buckinghamshire]] and London.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stretton |first1=Rachel |title=Extinction Rebellion on 125-mile 'Rebel Trail' protest |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/extinction-rebellion-125-mile-rebel-18453819 |access-date=24 July 2020 |work=Coventry Telegraph |date=20 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719200857/https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/extinction-rebellion-125-mile-rebel-18453819 |archive-date=19 July 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Groups such as the [[Wildlife Trusts]] and the [[National Trust]] oppose the project, based on concerns about destruction of local biodiversity.<ref name="Independent-15-01-20">{{cite news |last1=Drury |first1=Colin |title=HS2 will destroy ancient woodlands and 'huge swathes of irreplaceable' wildlife, report warns |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hs2-wildlife-ancient-woodland-environment-endangered-species-report-a9284126.html |access-date=25 July 2020 |work=The Independent |date=15 January 2020 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227055008/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hs2-wildlife-ancient-woodland-environment-endangered-species-report-a9284126.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Opposition to construction ====
In 2017 a [[protest camp]] was established at Harvil Road in the [[Colne Valley Regional Park]] by [[environmental activist]]s intending to protect the wildlife habitats of bats and owls. The protesters asserted that freshwater aquifer would be affected by HS2 construction and this would impact London's water supply. The camp included members of the Green Party and Extinction Rebellion. In January 2020, HS2 bailiffs began to evict people from the site, after HS2 has exercised its right to compulsorily purchase the land from [[Hillingdon London Borough Council|Hillingdon council]], which had not been prepared to sell the land otherwise.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Diane |title=HS2 begins evicting activists from protest site after two years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/07/hs2-begins-evicting-activists-from-protest-site-after-two-years |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613074802/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/07/hs2-begins-evicting-activists-from-protest-site-after-two-years |archive-date=13 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> A prosecution of two activists accused of aggravated trespass had previously collapsed in 2019, when HS2 was unable to prove it owned the land the activists were allegedly trespassing upon.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Diane |title=Case against HS2 environmental protesters collapses |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/18/case-against-hs2-environmental-protesters-collapses |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=18 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630201120/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/18/case-against-hs2-environmental-protesters-collapses |archive-date=30 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In early 2020, during the clearance of woodland along the route, the group HS2 Rebellion squatted on a site in the Colne Valley, aiming to block construction; the protesters argued that public money would be more suited to supporting the [[National Health Service]] during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=HS2 protesters block sites and call for money to go to NHS |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/04/hs2-protesters-block-sites-and-call-for-money-to-go-to-nhs-coronavirus |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |agency=P. A. Media |date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518054451/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/04/hs2-protesters-block-sites-and-call-for-money-to-go-to-nhs-coronavirus |archive-date=18 May 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> HS2 and Hillingdon council both moved to get separate [[Injunctions in English law|injunctions]] allowing them to remove the [[squatters]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Diane |title=Anti-HS2 protesters begin 125-mile walk along proposed route |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/20/anti-hs2-protesters-begin-125-mile-walk-along-proposed-route |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=20 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705032110/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/20/anti-hs2-protesters-begin-125-mile-walk-along-proposed-route |archive-date=5 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2020 another camp was set up, at [[Jones' Hill Wood]] in Buckinghamshire. In October 2020, activists, including "[[Swampy (environmentalist)|Swampy]]", were evicted from treehouses there.<ref>{{cite news |last=Humphries |first=Will |title=Swampy is last man standing at HS2 camp |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/veteran-eco-warrior-swampy-forcibly-removed-from-anti-hs2-treetop-protest-by-police-2lthh0f5d | url-access = subscription |work=The Times |access-date=9 November 2020 |date=8 October 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111040209/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/veteran-eco-warrior-swampy-forcibly-removed-from-anti-hs2-treetop-protest-by-police-2lthh0f5d |url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2021 it was revealed that protesters had [[Protest tunnelling in the United Kingdom|dug a tunnel]] underneath [[Euston Square Gardens]]. The protesters were criticised for endangering themselves and emergency services personnel, and for being "costly to the taxpayer".<ref>{{cite news|date=26 January 2021|title=HS2 protesters dig tunnel to thwart Euston eviction|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55796445|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127105836/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55796445|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=27 January 2021|title=HS2 protesters dig 100ft tunnel under London park|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/27/hs2-protesters-dig-100ft-tunnel-under-london-park-at-risk-from-rail-project|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201044239/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/27/hs2-protesters-dig-100ft-tunnel-under-london-park-at-risk-from-rail-project|archive-date=1 February 2021|access-date=2 February 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref> In June 2021 HS2 stated that protests had so far cost the company £75{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Topham|first=Gwyn|date=24 June 2021|title=HS2 asks government to help it deal with rising number of protests|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/24/hs2-asks-government-help-rising-number-protests|access-date=1 July 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630154140/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/24/hs2-asks-government-help-rising-number-protests|url-status=live}}</ref>
In early 2021 the Bluebell Woods Protection Camp was set up at Cash's Pit, adjacent to the [[A51 road]], on the line of the proposed route as it passes north of the village of [[Swynnerton]] in [[Staffordshire]].
There have been incidents of violence directed towards HS2 workers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=HS2 construction workers attacked by 30-strong mob|url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2021/03/29/hs2-construction-workers-attacked-by-30-strong-mob/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Construction Enquirer News|language=en-US|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329120419/https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2021/03/29/hs2-construction-workers-attacked-by-30-strong-mob/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Weinfass|first1=Ian|date=10 May 2021|title=HS2 worker temporarily blinded in laser attack|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/hs2/worker-on-hs2-site-temporarily-blinded-by-laser-10-05-2021/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Construction News|language=en|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513043944/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/hs2/worker-on-hs2-site-temporarily-blinded-by-laser-10-05-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Environmental and community impact==
The impact of HS2 has received particular attention in the [[Chiltern Hills]], an [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]], where the line passes through the [[River Misbourne|Misbourne Valley]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/mar/11/chilterns-fast-rail-wendover-birmingham |title=Beauty of Chilterns may be put at risk by fast rail link, say critics |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |___location=London |date=11 March 2010 | first1 = Peter | last1 = Walker |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927191037/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/mar/11/chilterns-fast-rail-wendover-birmingham |archive-date=27 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Historic environment Map 6: The Lee – Kingsash |url= http://www.chilternsaonb.org/uploads/files/high_speed_2/historic-environment-map-6.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240714130618/https://www.chilternsaonb.org/uploads/files/high_speed_2/historic-environment-map-6.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 14 July 2024 |work= High Speed 2 – Impact on the Chilterns |publisher= Chilterns AONB |access-date= 10 January 2012}} </ref> In January 2011, the government announced that two million trees would be planted along sections of the route to mitigate the visual impact.<ref name="GuardianHS2trees">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/jan/07/high-speed-rail-trees-shelter |title=High-speed rail route to get 2m trees for shelter |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |___location=London |date=7 January 2011 | first1 = Dan | last1 = Milmo |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919012941/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/jan/07/high-speed-rail-trees-shelter |archive-date=19 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The route was changed so as to tunnel underneath the southern end of the Chilterns, with the line emerging northwest of [[Amersham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chilternsaonb.org/hs2/|title=High Speed 2|publisher=Chilterns Conservation Board|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913223712/https://www.chilternsaonb.org/hs2/|archive-date=13 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The proposals include a re-alignment of more than {{convert|1|km}} of the [[River Tame (West Midlands)|River Tame]], and construction of a {{convert|0.39|mi|order=flip|abbr=on}} viaduct and a cutting<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/westmidmap04.pdf|title=West Midlands Map 4|work=High Speed 2|publisher=Department for Transport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401044448/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/westmidmap04.pdf|archive-date=1 April 2010|access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> through ancient woodland at a [[The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country|nature reserve]] at [[Park Hall Nature Reserve|Park Hall]] near Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wild-net.org/wildbbc/index.aspx?id=338|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801222840/http://www.wild-net.org/wildbbc/index.aspx?id=338|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 August 2020|title=Park Hall|publisher=Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country|access-date=18 March 2010}}</ref> The work on the tunnel extension has started, but there is a challenge from local planning authorities that the work does not have permission. The tunnel extension has been referred to the minister of state for a decision.
Amid concerns that HS2 was carrying out preparatory works during [[nesting season]], the ''[[Springwatch]]'' presenter and conservationist [[Chris Packham]] filed for a [[Judicial review in English law|judicial review]] of the decision to proceed and an emergency injunction to prevent construction, having [[crowdfunded]] £100,000 to cover legal fees. His bid failed before the [[High Court of Justice]], which ruled that a judicial review "had no real prospect of success".<ref>{{Cite news | last1 = Barkham | first1 = Patrick |date=3 April 2020 |title=HS2 wood clearance to go ahead as Chris Packham legal bid fails |work=The Guardian |url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/03/hs2-ancient-wood-clearance-go-ahead-chris-packham-legal-bid-fails |access-date=14 July 2020 |___location= London |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200629100710/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/03/hs2-ancient-wood-clearance-go-ahead-chris-packham-legal-bid-fails |archive-date=29 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Packham was subsequently given leave to appeal to the [[Court of Appeal (England and Wales)|Court of Appeal]], with [[Lord Justice Lewison]] ruling that there was "considerable public interest".<ref>{{Cite web| last1 = Shaw| first1 = Neil|date=8 July 2020|title=Chris Packham in Court of Appeal in bid to block HS2|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/chris-packham-court-appeal-bid-18559759|access-date=14 July 2020|website=walesonline|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708173228/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/chris-packham-court-appeal-bid-18559759|archive-date=8 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Magda |title= Springwatch presenter Chris Packham wins right to hearing over HS2 |url= https://www.thetimes.com/article/springwatch-presenter-chris-packham-wins-right-to-hearing-over-hs2-qcsm20djv | url-access = subscription |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=The Times |date=28 June 2020 |___location= London |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200703100538/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/springwatch-presenter-chris-packham-wins-right-to-hearing-over-hs2-qcsm20djv |archive-date=3 July 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 July 2020 Packham lost his case in the Court of Appeal.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 July 2020 |title=Chris Packham loses appeal against HS2 rail project |url= http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/31/chris-packham-loses-appeal-against-hs2-rail-project |access-date=31 July 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian |___location= London |archive-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200731191428/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/31/chris-packham-loses-appeal-against-hs2-rail-project |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Property demolition, land take and compensation===
Phase 1 is estimated to result in the demolition of more than 400 houses: 250 around Euston; 20–30 between Old Oak Common and [[West Ruislip]]; around 50 in [[Birmingham]]; and the remainder in pockets along the route.<ref name="appraisalofsustainability">{{cite web |url= http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/sites/highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/files/hs2-aos-non-technical-summary.pdf |publisher= Department for Transport |date= December 2009 |title= Appraisal of Sustainability: A Report for HS2 Non Technical Summary |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120417213149/http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/sites/highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/files/hs2-aos-non-technical-summary.pdf |archive-date= 17 April 2012 }}</ref> No Grade I or Grade II* listed buildings will be demolished, but six Grade II listed buildings will be, with alterations to four and removal and relocation of eight.<ref>{{cite book |title=HS2 Phase One Environmental Statement Non-technical summary |date=November 2013 |publisher=Department for Transport |page=45 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |access-date=14 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227201132/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> These included a 17th-century farm in [[Uxbridge]] once visited by [[Queen Elizabeth I]] in 1602,<ref>{{cite news |title=Couple lose seven-year fight against HS2 as 17th century home to be demolished |url=https://news.sky.com/story/couple-lose-seven-year-fight-against-hs2-as-17th-century-home-to-be-demolished-12040136 |access-date=4 June 2021 |work=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616230316/https://news.sky.com/story/couple-lose-seven-year-fight-against-hs2-as-17th-century-home-to-be-demolished-12040136 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Eagle and Tun pub, which was the set for the [[UB40]] music video for "[[Red Red Wine]]".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richardson |first1=Andy |title=Famous UB40 pub forced to close down by HS2 |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/famous-ub40-eagle-tun-pub-17326563 |access-date=4 June 2021 |work=BirminghamLive |date=27 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604182246/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/famous-ub40-eagle-tun-pub-17326563 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="intarch.ac.uk">{{cite journal|last1=Sparrow|first1=T|last2=Bain|first2=K|last3=Kimber|first3=M|last4=Wilson|first4=AS|title=Visualising Heritage: using 3D immersive technologies to innovate, document and communicate rich narratives for HS2|journal=Internet Archaeology|date=2024|issue=65|doi=10.11141/ia.65.7|doi-access=free|url=http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue65/7/|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In Birmingham the [[Curzon Gate]] student residence and the [[Fox and Grapes, Birmingham|Fox and Grapes]], a derelict pub, were demolished;<ref>[[#HS22010|High Speed 2(2010)]], page 118.</ref> [[Birmingham City University]] requested £30{{nbsp}}million in compensation after the plans were announced.<ref name="BPost20100316" /> Once original plans had been released in 2010, the Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) was set up to compensate homeowners whose houses were to be affected by the line at the government's discretion. Phase 1 of the scheme came to an end on 17 June 2010 and Phase 2 ended in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-phase-two-exceptional-hardship-scheme |title=EHS Phase Two |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006211338/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-phase-two-exceptional-hardship-scheme |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Ancient woodland impact===
The [[Woodland Trust]] states that 108 [[ancient woodland]]s will be damaged due to HS2, 33 [[sites of Special Scientific Interest]] will be affected and 21 designated nature reserves will be destroyed.<ref name="Independent-15-01-20" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/our-campaigns/hs2-rail-link/?dm_i=2D76%2C14F73%2C6Y3D64%2C3FFDO%2C1 |title=Phase 2a – Take action now |publisher=Woodland Trust |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210004302/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/our-campaigns/hs2-rail-link/?dm_i=2D76%2C14F73%2C6Y3D64%2C3FFDO%2C1 |archive-date=10 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In England ''ancient woodland'' refers to areas that have been constantly forested since at least 1600. Such areas accommodate a complex and diverse ecology of plants and animals and are recognised as "irreplaceable habitat" by the government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees: protecting them from development |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ancient-woodland-and-veteran-trees-protection-surveys-licences |website=gov.uk |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125150128/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ancient-woodland-and-veteran-trees-protection-surveys-licences |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite Hansard |jurisdiction=United Kingdom |house=House of Commons |title=Protection of Ancient Woodland and Trees |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-12-10/debates/15121049000001/ProtectionOfAncientWoodlandAndTrees |date=10 December 2015 |column=414WH–442WH |volume=603 |access-date=26 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005657/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-12-10/debates/15121049000001/ProtectionOfAncientWoodlandAndTrees |archive-date=27 June 2018 |url-status=live }} </ref> 52,000 such sites exist.<ref name="DoT-2020" /> According to the trust, {{convert|56|ha|sqkm|1}} are threatened with total loss from the construction of phases 1 and 2.<ref>{{cite web| last1 = Smith| first1 = Dee|date=14 February 2019|title=HS2 Ltd "guilty of institutional amnesia"|url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2019/02/hs2-ltd-guilty-of-institutional-amnesia/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924180240/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2019/02/hs2-ltd-guilty-of-institutional-amnesia/|archive-date=24 September 2019|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Woodland Trust}}</ref> Rare species such as the [[dingy skipper]] and [[white clawed crayfish]] could see a decreased population or even localised extinction upon the realisation of the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51115637|title=HS2 could threaten irreplaceable natural habitats, report warns|date=15 January 2020|publisher=BBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115164516/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51115637|archive-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> To mitigate the loss, HS2 Ltd says that seven million trees and shrubs will be planted during Phase 1, creating {{convert|9|sqkm|ha|order=flip}} of new woods. A further {{convert|33|km2}} of natural habitats are also planned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-launches-plans-for-unprecedented-green-corridor-stretching-alongside-the-railway|title=HS2 launches plans for unprecedented 'green corridor' stretching alongside the railway|date=25 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018|publisher=gov.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625111500/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-launches-plans-for-unprecedented-green-corridor-stretching-alongside-the-railway|archive-date=25 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> HS2 Ltd disputes the Trust's figure, saying it includes ancient woodlands several kilometres from the route and that only 43 ancient woodlands are directly impacted, of which over 80% will remain intact.<ref>{{cite web|title=Twitter – @HS2ltd: Challenge the lie that HS2 will destroy 108 woodlands|url=https://twitter.com/hs2ltd/status/1357679107824304128|access-date=24 July 2021|date=5 February 2021|website=Twitter |archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724191941/https://twitter.com/hs2ltd/status/1357679107824304128|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Carbon dioxide emissions===
[[File:HS2 viaduct due to span middle ring road, Birmingham.jpg|thumb|The viaduct due to carry HS2 over Birmingham's middle ring road, constructed on a site adjacent to that road. The [[Grand Junction Railway]] viaduct into [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station (1838–1966)|Curzon Street station]], completed in 1838, is in the background]]
In 2007 the DfT commissioned a report, "Estimated Carbon Impact of a New North-South Line", from [[Booz Allen Hamilton]], to investigate the likely overall [[carbon impact]] associated with the construction and operation of a new rail line to either Manchester or Scotland, including the extent of carbon dioxide emission reduction or increase from a shift to rail use, and a comparison with the case in which no new high-speed lines were built.{{sfn|BAH|2007}} The report concluded that there was no net carbon benefit in the foreseeable future, taking only the route to Manchester. Additional emissions from building a new rail route would be larger in the first ten years, at least, when compared to a model where no new line was built.{{sfn|BAH|2007|p=6, s.1.20}}
The 2006 ''Eddington Report'' cautioned against the common argument of modal shift from aviation to high-speed rail as a carbon-emissions benefit, given that only 1.2% of UK carbon emissions are due to domestic commercial aviation, and that rail transport energy efficiency is reduced as speed increases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepep.org/ClearingHouse/docfiles/Eddington.Transport.Study%20-%20Rod.pdf|title=The Eddington Transport Study, The case for action: Sir Rod Eddington's advice to Government|date=December 2006|at=Figure 15: The case for new very High Speed Lines (HSLs) p.49 (also p.33)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728101550/http://www.thepep.org/ClearingHouse/docfiles/Eddington.Transport.Study%20-%20Rod.pdf|archive-date=28 July 2011}}</ref> The 2007 government [[white paper]] "Delivering a Sustainable Railway" stated that trains that travel at a speed of {{convert|220|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}} used 90% more energy than at {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on|order=flip|round=5}},<ref name="deliverignsustainablerailway">{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/hitepapersustainablerailway1.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100409060247/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/hitepapersustainablerailway1.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2010 |title=Delivering a Sustainable Railway |publisher=Department for Transport |at=Section 6.14 – 6.17, pp.62–3 |date=July 2007 }}</ref> which would result in carbon emissions for a London to Edinburgh journey of approximately {{convert|14|kg}} per passenger for high-speed rail compared to {{convert|7|kg}} per passenger for conventional rail. Air travel emits {{convert|26|kg}} per passenger for the same journey. The paper questioned the value for money of high-speed rail as a method of reducing carbon emissions, but noted that with a switch to carbon-free or carbon-neutral electricity production the case becomes much more favourable.<ref name="deliverignsustainablerailway" />
The "High-Speed Rail Command Paper", published in March 2010, stated that the project was likely to be roughly carbon neutral.{{Sfn|DfT|2010|p=53, s.2.57}} The House of Commons [[Transport Select Committee]] report in November 2011 (paragraph 77) concluded that the government's assertion that HS2 would have substantial carbon reduction benefits did not stand up to scrutiny. At best, the select committee found, HS2 could make a small contribution to the government's carbon-reduction targets. However, this was dependent on making rapid progress in reducing carbon emissions from UK electricity generation.<ref name="TransSelect" /> Others argue these reports do not properly account for the carbon reduction benefits coming from the modal shift to rail for shorter-distance journeys, due to the capacity realised by HS2 on existing mainlines resulting in better local services.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 March 2021 |title="An analysis of carbon emissions following modal shift on to HS2 services" |url=https://hs2.green/an-analysis-of-carbon-emissions-following-modal-shift-on-to-hs2-services/ |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=Greens4HS2 |language=en-US |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523091249/https://hs2.green/an-analysis-of-carbon-emissions-following-modal-shift-on-to-hs2-services/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Deborah |title=Modal shift matters – and HS2 delivers it – High-Speed Rail Group |date=20 January 2022 |url=https://www.rail-leaders.com/publications/modal-shift-matters-and-hs2-delivers-it/ |access-date=2 February 2023 |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202153851/https://www.rail-leaders.com/publications/modal-shift-matters-and-hs2-delivers-it/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Phase 1 environmental statement estimates that 5.8–6.2{{nbsp}}million{{nbsp}}tonnes of [[carbon dioxide equivalent]] emissions will be involved in the construction of that section of the line, with operation of the line estimated to be carbon negative thereafter; operational emissions, [[modal shift]], and other environmental mitigations—such as tree planting and decarbonisation of the electrical grid—are expected to provide a saving of 3{{nbsp}}million{{nbsp}}tonnes of {{CO2}}-equivalent emissions over sixty years of operation. The carbon dioxide emissions per passenger-kilometre in 2030 are estimated to be 8{{nbsp}}grams for high-speed rail, as opposed to 22{{nbsp}}grams for conventional intercity rail,<ref group="note">HS2's estimates for intercity rail emissions assume a mix of electric and diesel traction on the intercity network, taking into account current electrification plans.</ref> 67{{nbsp}}grams for private car transport, and 170{{nbsp}}grams for domestic aviation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 February 2017|title=High Speed Two phase one information paper E10: Carbon|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672382/E10_-_Carbon_v1.7.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725223712/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672382/E10_-_Carbon_v1.7.pdf|archive-date=25 July 2019|website=gov.uk}}</ref>
The government stated that one-third of the carbon footprint from constructing Phase 1 results from tunnelling, the amount of which has been increased following requests from local residents to mitigate the impact of the railway on habitats and its visual impact.<ref name="DoT-2020" />
===Noise===
HS2 Ltd stated that 21,300 dwellings could experience a noticeable increase in rail noise and that 200 non-residential receptors (community, education, healthcare, and recreational/social facilities) within {{convert|300|m|yd|abbr=off}} of the preferred route have the potential to experience significant noise impacts.<ref name="appraisalofsustainability"/> The government has stated that trees planted to create a visual barrier will reduce noise pollution.<ref name= GuardianHS2trees/>
===Public consultations===
HS2 Ltd announced in March 2012 that it would conduct consultations with local people and organisations along the London-to-West-Midlands route, through community and planning forums, and an environment forum.<ref>[http://www.hs2.org.uk/consultation-engagement High Speed Rail: Consultation & Engagement HS2 Ltd] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918120141/http://www.hs2.org.uk/consultation-engagement |date=18 September 2012}}. Retrieved 1 July 2012</ref> It confirmed that the consultations would be conducted in line with the terms of the [[Aarhus Convention]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs2.org.uk/consultation-engagement |title=HS2 Consultation & Engagement |publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918120141/http://www.hs2.org.uk/consultation-engagement |archive-date=18 September 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref> HS2 Ltd set up 25 community forums along the Phase 1 route in March 2012. The forums were intended to allow local authorities, residents associations, special interest groups, and environment bodies in each community forum area to engage with HS2 Ltd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/forums/community-forums |title=High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain's Future – Community forums |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704035249/http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/forums/community-forums |archive-date=4 July 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref> [[Jeremy Wright]], [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] for [[Kenilworth and Southam]], stated that in his area the community forums were not a success since HS2 had not provided clear details about the project and took up to 18{{nbsp}}months to respond to his constituents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Jeremy |title=Follow-up inquiry on PHSO investigation into HS2 complaints |url=https://www.jeremywright.org.uk/follow-inquiry-phso-investigation-hs2-complaints |website=Jeremy Wright MP |access-date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110084545/https://www.jeremywright.org.uk/follow-inquiry-phso-investigation-hs2-complaints |archive-date=10 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Since the announcement of Phase 1, the government has had plans to create an overall 'Y shaped' line with termini in Manchester and Leeds. Since the intentions to further extend were announced, an additional compensation scheme was set up.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs2.org.uk/have-your-say/consultations/phase-one/property-compensation-consultation |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130423191032/http://www.hs2.org.uk/have-your-say/consultations/phase-one/property-compensation-consultation |archive-date=23 April 2013 |title=Property and Compensation Consultation |publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |date=28 January 2013}}</ref> Consultations with those affected were set up over late 2012 and January 2013, to allow homeowners to express their concerns within their local community.<ref name="High Speed Two HS2 Limited">{{cite press release |url=http://www.hs2.org.uk/press/property-and-compensation-event-programme-continue-2013 |title=Property and compensation scheme consultation schedule |publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615234334/http://www.hs2.org.uk/press/property-and-compensation-event-programme-continue-2013 |archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref>
The results of the consultations are not yet known, but Alison Munro, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, has stated that it is also looking at other options, including property bonds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/news/high-speed-rail/ |title=High Speed Rail |publisher=Civic Voice |date=n.d. |access-date=6 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501221550/http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/news/high-speed-rail/ |archive-date=1 May 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The statutory blight regime would apply to any route confirmed for a new high-speed line following the public consultations, which took place between 2011 and January 2013.<ref>{{cite Hansard |jurisdiction= United Kingdom |title=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 28 Jun 2010 (pt 0003) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100628/text/100628w0003.htm |speaker=Philip Hammond |position=Secretary of State for Transport |house= House of Commons |date=28 June 2010 |column=364W |access-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709174221/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100628/text/100628w0003.htm |archive-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live}} </ref><ref name="High Speed Two HS2 Limited"/>
===Political impact===
The revision of the route through South Yorkshire, which replaced the original plans for a station at [[Meadowhall Interchange|Meadowhall]] with a station off the HS2 tracks at Sheffield, was cited as a major reason for the collapse of the [[Sheffield City Region]] devolution deal signed in 2015; Sheffield City Council's successful lobbying for a city-centre station—in opposition to [[Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council|Barnsley]], [[Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council|Doncaster]], and [[Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council|Rotherham]]'s preference for the Meadowhall option—caused Doncaster and Barnsley councils to seek an all-Yorkshire devolution deal instead.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/how-hs2-sheffield-station-saga-helped-derail-devolution-hopes-1-8766602 |last=Burn |first=Chris |title=How HS2 Sheffield Station saga helped derail devolution hopes|work=[[Yorkshire Post]]|date=21 September 2017|access-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925035307/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/how-hs2-sheffield-station-saga-helped-derail-devolution-hopes-1-8766602|archive-date=25 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sir-steve-houghton-snubbing-devolution-in-sheffield-city-region-was-not-revenge-for-hs2-442865|title=Sir Steve Houghton: Snubbing devolution in Sheffield City Region was not revenge for HS2|work=[[Sheffield Star|The Star]]|___location=Sheffield|date=11 December 2017|access-date=17 September 2019|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916223410/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sir-steve-houghton-snubbing-devolution-sheffield-city-region-was-not-revenge-hs2-442865|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Archaeological discoveries ===
[[File:St James's Church archaeological dig 2018 01.jpg|thumb|Excavation work at St James's Church burial ground in 2018]]
Between 2018 and early 2022 HS2 examined more than 100 archaeological sites along the railway route.<ref name=Suliman>Adela Suliman, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/11/roman-ruins-hs2-blackgrounds-britain/ 'Exceptional' ruins of Roman settlement discovered in England including large road, coins and makeup] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111163557/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/11/roman-ruins-hs2-blackgrounds-britain/ |date=11 January 2022}}, ''The Washington Post'' (11 January 2022).</ref>
Early discoveries during construction were two [[Victorian-era]] glass jar [[time capsule]]s found during the demolition of the derelict [[National Temperance Hospital]] in [[Camden Town|Camden]], dating from 1879 and 1884. The capsules contained newspapers, the hospital's rules, pro-[[temperance movement]] material, and official records.<ref>{{cite news |last=Low |first=Valentine |title=Time capsules at Euston temperance hospital make for sobering news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/time-capsules-at-euston-temperance-hospital-make-for-sobering-news-fd0ls8hsq |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Times |date=30 October 2017 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://molaheadland.com/temperance-time-capsules-reveal-history-uks-first-sober-hospital/ Temperance time capsules reveal history of UK's first 'sober' hospital] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112000652/https://molaheadland.com/temperance-time-capsules-reveal-history-uks-first-sober-hospital/ |date=12 January 2022}}, MOLA Headland.</ref>
The "Hillingdon Hoard" of more than 300 [[late Iron Age]] [[potin]]s was discovered in by archaeologists working on the railway project in [[Hillingdon]], [[West London]].<ref>Jenna Lomax, [https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/hs2-iron-age-coins-found-at-archeological-dig-at-hillingdon-site-14-07-2021 S2: Iron Age coins found at archeological dig at Hillingdon site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112002721/https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/hs2-iron-age-coins-found-at-archeological-dig-at-hillingdon-site-14-07-2021/ |date=12 January 2022}}, ''Ground Engineering'' (14 July 2021).</ref> Archaeologists working on the railway had previously discovered [[hunter-gatherer]] flint tools from a much earlier (early [[Mesolithic]]) site in the eastern [[Colne Valley]] within the [[London Borough of Hillingdon]], evidence of what may be the earliest settlers of what is now Greater London.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knapton |first=Sarah |title=London's earliest settlers to be uncovered in Britain's biggest archaeological dig ahead of HS2 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/10/26/londons-earliest-settlers-uncovered-britains-biggest-archaeological/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The Telegraph |___location=London |date=26 October 2018 |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112000647/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/10/26/londons-earliest-settlers-uncovered-britains-biggest-archaeological/ |archive-date=12 January 2022}}</ref>
Before construction could begin on the new Euston station, archaeologists had to remove roughly 40,000 skeletons from the former burial ground of [[St James's Church, Piccadilly|St James's Church]], which was in use between 1790 and 1853 and lies on the site of the new station.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 2017 |title=St. James Gardens – A Casualty Of HS2 |url=https://alondoninheritance.com/london-parks-and-gardens/st-james-gardens-a-casualty-of-hs2/ |access-date=22 October 2020 |website=A London Inheritance |archive-date=26 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126002313/https://alondoninheritance.com/london-parks-and-gardens/st-james-gardens-a-casualty-of-hs2/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Many of the skeletons were identifiable by surviving lead [[coffin plate]]s, including the long-lost remains of the explorer Captain [[Matthew Flinders]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=Remains of Captain Matthew Flinders discovered at HS2 site in Euston |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/remains-of-captain-matthew-flinders-discovered-at-hs2-site-in-euston |publisher=HS2 Ltd |access-date=26 January 2019 |date=25 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126013509/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/remains-of-captain-matthew-flinders-discovered-at-hs2-site-in-euston |archive-date=26 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> who is to be re-buried in his home town of [[Donington, Lincolnshire]]. The rest of the remains are to be reburied at [[Brookwood Cemetery]], [[Surrey]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=17 September 2020 |title=London's deceased from Euston's St James's Gardens to be reburied at Brookwood Cemetery |url= https://www.woking.gov.uk/news/london%E2%80%99s-deceased-euston%E2%80%99s-st-james%E2%80%99s-gardens-be-reburied-brookwood-cemetery |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201019213813/https://www.woking.gov.uk/news/london%E2%80%99s-deceased-euston%E2%80%99s-st-james%E2%80%99s-gardens-be-reburied-brookwood-cemetery |archive-date=19 October 2020 |access-date=22 October 2020 |publisher=Woking Borough Council}}</ref> There were also excavations to remove roughly 6,500 skeletons from a burial ground on the site of the new Curzon Street Station in Birmingham. Other notable finds in the burials were grave goods such as coins, plates, toys and necklaces,<ref>{{cite web |last=Balloo |first=Stephanie |title='HS2 – The Biggest Dig' reveals how 6,500 skeletons were found in Brum |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hs2--biggest-dig-reveals-18981107 |website=BirminghamLive |date=23 September 2020 |access-date=22 October 2020 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026200916/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hs2--biggest-dig-reveals-18981107 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as evidence of [[body snatching]]. Excavations in Birmingham also uncovered the world's oldest [[railway roundhouse]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Curzon Street station archaeology |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/archaeology/curzon-street-station-archaeology/ |access-date=22 October 2020 |website=High Speed 2 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023131232/https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/archaeology/curzon-street-station-archaeology/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="intarch.ac.uk"/>
In July 2020, archaeological teams announced a number of discoveries near [[Wendover]] in [[Buckinghamshire]]. The skeleton of an [[Iron Age]] man was discovered face-down in a ditch with his hands bound together under his pelvis, suggesting that he may be a victim of a murder or execution. Archaeologists also discovered the remains of a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] buried in a lead coffin, and stated that he may have been someone of high status due to the expensive method of burial. One of the most significant finds was that of a large circular monument of wooden posts {{convert|65|m}} in diameter with features aligned with the [[winter solstice]], similar to that of [[Stonehenge]] in [[Wiltshire]]. A golden [[stater]] from the 1st century BC was also discovered, with archaeologists stating that it was almost certainly minted in Britain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wellwick Farm archaeology|url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/archaeology/wellwick-farm-archaeology/|access-date=11 July 2020|website=High Speed 2|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713232540/https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/archaeology/wellwick-farm-archaeology/|archive-date=13 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mee |first=Emily |date=11 July 2020 |title=Skeleton of 'murdered' Iron Age man found during HS2 works in Buckinghamshire|url=https://news.sky.com/story/skeleton-of-murdered-iron-age-man-found-during-hs2-works-in-buckinghamshire-12026231|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711204304/https://news.sky.com/story/skeleton-of-murdered-iron-age-man-found-during-hs2-works-in-buckinghamshire-12026231|archive-date=11 July 2020|access-date=11 July 2020|publisher=Sky News}}</ref>
In Coleshill, Warwickshire, the remains of large manor and ornamental gardens, laid out by [[Robert Digby (courtier)|Robert Digby]] in the 16th century, were excavated.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 January 2021|title=HS2 dig finds 16th Century gardens in Warwickshire|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-55840474|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131061810/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-55840474|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2021, archaeologists from LP-Archaeology announced the discovery of the remains of old St Mary's Church in [[Stoke Mandeville]], Buckinghamshire, while working on the route of the HS2 railway. The [[Norman architecture|Norman]] [[parish church]] structure, which dates back to 1080, fell into ruin after 1866, when a new church was built elsewhere in the area.<ref name=AngloSaxonChurch>{{Cite news|date=8 September 2021|title=HS2: Anglo-Saxon church found at Stoke Mandeville excavation site|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-58477080|access-date=12 September 2021|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912142324/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-58477080|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Graffiti>{{cite news|date=21 October 2020|title=HS2: Medieval graffiti to 'ward off evil spirits' found|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-54629930|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023121813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-54629930|url-status=live}}</ref> Discovered in the ruins of the Norman church were medieval markings in the form of drilled holes on two stones; these are variously interpreted as [[Apotropaic mark|ritual protective marks]], or as an early [[sundial]].<ref name=Graffiti/> Researchers' discovery of flint walls forming a square structure, enclosed by a circular borderline, indicate that the Norman church as built on an earlier [[Anglo-Saxon architecture|Anglo-Saxon church]]. As part of excavations, approximately 3,000{{nbsp}}bodies were moved to a new burial site. Evidence of a settlement from the [[Roman Britain|Roman period]] was also discovered nearby.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Walls of Possible Anglo-Saxon Church Unearthed in England|url=https://www.archaeology.org/news/9984-210909-buckinghamshire-anglo-saxon|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Archaeology Magazine|date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910164433/https://www.archaeology.org/news/9984-210909-buckinghamshire-anglo-saxon|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 September 2021|title=Archaeologists discover evidence of Anglo-Saxon church|url=https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/09/archaeologists-discover-evidence-of-anglo-saxon-church/141330|access-date=12 September 2021|website=HeritageDaily|language=en-US|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912142720/https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/09/archaeologists-discover-evidence-of-anglo-saxon-church/141330|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=AngloSaxonChurch/>
In early 2021 a significant site called "Blackgrounds" (for its rich dark soil) was discovered on what was previously pastureland near the village of [[Chipping Warden]] in [[West Northamptonshire]], close to the [[River Cherwell]].<ref name=Suliman/><ref name=Sherwood>Harriet Sherwood, [https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/11/roman-town-found-northamptonshire-field-hs2-route Roman town's remains found below Northamptonshire field on HS2 route] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111234705/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/11/roman-town-found-northamptonshire-field-hs2-route |date=11 January 2022}}, ''The Guardian'' (11 January 2022).</ref> While the existence of an archaeological site in the region had been previously known, the excavations showed an unexpectedly significant site.<ref name=Sherwood/> A team of 80 with the MOLA Headland Infrastructure archaeological consortium, which is working with HS2 Ltd, excavated the site, which consisted of a small Iron Age village that became a Roman town.<ref name=Suliman/> The population grew, from about 30{{nbsp}}[[Roundhouse (dwelling)|roundhouse]]s during the Iron Age, into a significant Roman settlement with a population in the hundreds.<ref name=Sherwood/> Discoveries included a particularly large [[Roman road]]; more than 300 [[Roman coin]]s; and jewellery, glass vessels, and decorative pottery (including [[Terra sigillata|samian pottery]] imported from [[Gaul]]), as well as signs of cosmetics. Roman-era workshops and kilns were discovered, along with at least four wells.<ref name=Suliman/><ref name=Sherwood/> A pair of [[shackles]] was also unearthed.<ref name=Sherwood/> Taken together, the evidence was indicative of a prosperous trading site.<ref name=Suliman/><ref name=Sherwood/>
=== Archaeological legacy ===
HS2 Phase One represents the largest single programme of historic environment work undertaken in the UK<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Halsted|first1=J|title=Collecting Information and Developing Narratives: the use of data on HS2 Phase One, UK|journal=Internet Archaeology|date=2024|issue=65|doi=10.11141/ia.65.4|doi-access=free|url=http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue65/4/|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and has generated a vast amount of digital archaeological data. The digital data, including [[BIM]] and [[GIS]] data,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Aryankhesal|first1=F|title=The role of BIM and GIS in HS2 historic environment data management, an overview of HS2 Phase One, UK|journal=Internet Archaeology|date=2024|issue=65|doi=10.11141/ia.65.5|doi-access=free|url=http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue65/5/|url-access=subscription}}</ref> specialist reporting and reports all hold potential for future analysis, public engagement and legacy and will be held in a digital archive hosted by the [[Archaeology Data Service]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zoldoske|first1=T|title=Metadata for Discovery. Planning for an Information Network|journal=Internet Archaeology|date=2024|issue=65|doi=10.11141/ia.65.6|doi-access=free|url=http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue65/6/|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
===Environmental mitigation===
A scheme has been announced to use the chalk excavated from the Chiltern tunnel to [[rewilding (conservation biology)|rewild]] a section of the [[Colne Valley Regional Park|Colne Valley Western Slopes]]. The {{Convert|127|ha|acres|abbr=on|adj=on}} scheme will take its inspiration from the [[Knepp Wildland|Knepp wilding]], and will stretch along the line from the viaduct at [[Denham Country Park]] to the Chiltern tunnel's southern portal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barkham|first1=Patrick|date=3 March 2021|title=HS2 to 'rewild' 127 hectares around its 10-mile Chilterns tunnel|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/03/hs2-to-rewild-127-hectares-around-its-10-mile-chilterns-tunnel|access-date=3 March 2021|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303061027/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/03/hs2-to-rewild-127-hectares-around-its-10-mile-chilterns-tunnel|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Cancelled sections ==
===Phase Two===
{{main|High Speed 2 Phase Two}}
[[File:HS2 phase 2 Manchester.png|thumb|upright=1.6|Map of the cancelled Birmingham-Manchester HS2 route, showing phases 2a and 2b and the Golborne Link]]
Phase 2 was intended to extend HS2 north to [[Fradley]] (a village northwest of Lichfield) then divide into two branches. The western branch would have travelled north past Crewe before again splitting into two branches near [[Knutsford]], one terminating at [[Manchester Piccadilly railway station]] and the other joining the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Golborne, south of Wigan. A station may have been built to serve [[Manchester Airport]]. The eastern branch would have been built through the East Midlands and connect to the [[Midland Main Line]] north of [[Derby]], then continue to Leeds; it would then have formed two branches, one terminating in central Leeds and the other connecting to the [[East Coast Main Line]] near York.
Phase 2 was split into three sub-phases:
* Phase 2a, West Midlands to Crewe;<ref>{{cite web|title=HS2 Phase 2a: High-Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Act 2021|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/high-speed-rail-west-midlands-to-crewe-bill|access-date=28 November 2021|website=gov.uk|date=24 June 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128014941/https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/high-speed-rail-west-midlands-to-crewe-bill|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=West Midlands to Crewe (Phase 2a) |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/west-midlands-to-crewe/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003201631/https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/west-midlands-to-crewe/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Phase 2b west, Crewe to the West Coast Main Line near Wigan with a branch to Manchester;<ref>{{cite web |title=Crewe to Manchester (Phase 2b – Western Leg) |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/crewe-to-manchester/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003201629/https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/crewe-to-manchester/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Phase 2b east, a branch from the West Midlands to the East Coast Main Line near York with a branch to Leeds.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Midlands to Leeds (HS2 East) - HS2 % |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/west-midlands-to-leeds/ |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003201633/https://www.hs2.org.uk/the-route/west-midlands-to-leeds/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Topham-2021">{{cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |title=HS2 rail leg to Leeds scrapped, Grant Shapps confirms |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/18/hs2-rail-leg-to-leeds-scrapped-grant-shapps-confirms |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=4 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004161141/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/18/hs2-rail-leg-to-leeds-scrapped-grant-shapps-confirms |url-status=live}}</ref>
Phase 2b east was truncated in November 2021, with the branch expected to end at [[East Midlands Parkway railway station]], south of [[Nottingham]].<ref name="Topham-2021" /> In June 2022, the link to the WCML at Golborne, a part of phase 2b west, was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=7 June 2022 |title=Rail industry groups outraged as HS2 Golborne link quietly scrapped |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/07/rail-bosses-outraged-as-hs2-golborne-link-quietly-scrapped |access-date=4 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004173354/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/07/rail-bosses-outraged-as-hs2-golborne-link-quietly-scrapped |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023 phase 2a and the remainder of phase 2b were cancelled, leaving phase 1 the only extant element of the project.<ref name="BBC News 0401023">{{cite news |title=Rishi Sunak speech: PM scraps HS2 link, saying 'facts have changed' |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-67001483 |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004115347/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-67001483 |archive-date=4 October 2023}}</ref>
=== HS1 to HS2 link ===
{{see also|Regional Eurostar}}
[[File:HS1-HS2 Camden link.png|thumb|The abandoned HS1–HS2 link across Camden (proposed in 2010)]]
Early proposals for HS2 outlined the construction of a {{convert|2|km|mi|spell=in|adj=mid|-long}} link between HS2 and [[HS1]], which would have allowed high-speed trains to operate directly from the North and Midlands to destinations in continental Europe via the [[Channel Tunnel]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=417186&SubjectId=36 |title=New High Speed Rail Proposals Unveiled |date=20 December 2010 |publisher=[[Department for Transport]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224170410/http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=417186&SubjectId=36 |archivedate=24 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Arup |date=20 December 2010 |title=Review of HS1 to HS2 Connection Final Report |url=http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets.dft.gov.uk/hs2-hs1connection.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707125904/http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets.dft.gov.uk/hs2-hs1connection.pdf |archivedate=7 July 2011 |publisher=Department for Transport |at=Section 2.1 "Structural modifications", p.4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=5 January 2012 |title=Plan of the route connecting HS2 to HS1 showing which map covers which area – drawing number HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-05140 |url=http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/hs2-maps-20120110/hs2arp00drrw05140issue2.pdf |accessdate=12 May 2014 |publisher=Arup/DfT |archive-date=5 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105234304/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/hs2-maps-20120110/hs2arp00drrw05140issue2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The link, which was to be built through Camden Town in North London, was abandoned in 2014 on grounds of cost and insufficient capacity for trains on HS2 track.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 2013 |title=3. HS1-HS2 Link |url=http://assets.hs2.org.uk/sites/default/files/inserts/Design%20Refinement%20Consultation%20-%20Complete.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512215708/http://assets.hs2.org.uk/sites/default/files/inserts/Design%20Refinement%20Consultation%20-%20Complete.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2014 |access-date=12 May 2014 |work=HS2 London – West Midlands Design Refinement Consultation |publisher=Department for Transport |page=21}}</ref><ref name="HS1-HS2 report">{{cite web |title=HS2-HS1 report |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/480372/HS2-HS1_report.pdf |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-date=25 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725154009/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/480372/HS2-HS1_report.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the cancellation of this link, it was proposed that passengers would transfer between these two lines via [[shuttle bus]], [[automated people mover]] or an "enhanced walking route" between Euston and St Pancras stations.<ref name="HS1-HS2 report" />
Various alternative schemes have been proposed for an HS2–HS1 link, including a tunnel under Camden,<ref>{{cite news |date=22 April 2014 |title=London mayor Boris Johnson calls for tunnel to link HS2 at Euston to St Pancras |newspaper=Evening Standard |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-mayor-boris-johnson-calls-for-tunnel-to-link-hs2-at-euston-to-st-pancras-9274200.html |access-date=12 May 2014 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221428/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-mayor-boris-johnson-calls-for-tunnel-to-link-hs2-at-euston-to-st-pancras-9274200.html |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the rejected [[HS4Air]] scheme.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Smale |first=Katherine |title=HS4Air plan to link Heathrow and Gatwick rejected |magazine=New Civil Engineer |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/exclusive-hs4air-plan-to-link-heathrow-and-gatwick-rejected/10038092.article |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211143812/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/exclusive-hs4air-plan-to-link-heathrow-and-gatwick-rejected/10038092.article |archive-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>
===Branches to other lines===
Prior to the cancellation of the northern phases, the original HS2 scheme specified connections from the new high-speed tracks onto existing conventional tracks at junctions at the following locations:<ref name="cmd-paper-summary2013">{{cite web|title=High speed rail: investing in Britain 's future phase two – the route to Leeds, Manchester and beyond summary|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69739/hs2-phase-two-command-paper-summary.pdf|publisher=DfT|access-date=13 May 2014|date=23 January 2013|pages=5, 16–17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615064236/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69739/hs2-phase-two-command-paper-summary.pdf|archive-date=15 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[West Coast Main Line]]<ref name=cmd-paper-summary2013/>
* north of {{rws|Crewe}};
* south of {{rws|Crewe}}.
* east of {{rws|Lichfield Trent Valley}}, {{convert|2.2|mi|order=flip}} northeast of [[Lichfield]].
[[Midland Main Line]]
* at [[East Midlands Parkway station]] in [[Nottinghamshire]].
[[Northern Powerhouse Rail]]
* at [[Millington, Cheshire|Millington junction]].
==Previous proposals==
Further proposals were suggested during the original launch of the project around 2009.
===Liverpool===
No direct HS2 track access was planned for the [[Liverpool City Region]], with the nearest HS2 track passing {{convert|16|mi|km}} from Liverpool city centre. In February 2016, the Liverpool City Council offered £2{{nbsp}}billion towards funding a direct HS2 line into the city centre.<ref name="Topham-2016">{{cite news|last1=Topham|first1=Gwym|title=Liverpool offers £2bn to be included in HS2 network|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/23/liverpool-offers-2bn-hs2-network|access-date=14 March 2016|work=The Guardian|date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312224446/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/23/liverpool-offers-2bn-hs2-network|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Steve Rotheram]], the [[Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region]], announced the creation of a Station Commission to determine the size, type, and ___location of a new "transport hub" in Liverpool's city centre, a station that would have linked the HS2 mainline with the local transport infrastructure. The station would have served HS2 and NPR trains. The North's Strategic Transport Plan recognised the need for a new station to accommodate HS2 and NPR trains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lbndaily.co.uk/liverpool-needs-new-station-high-speed-rail-says-steve-rotheram/|title=Liverpool needs a new station for high-speed rail, says Steve Rotheram|date=13 March 2019|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913235108/https://lbndaily.co.uk/liverpool-needs-new-station-high-speed-rail-says-steve-rotheram/|archive-date=13 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/steve-rotheram-announces-commission-to-deliver-new-station-for-liverpool-city-centre/|title=Steve Rotheram Announces Commission to Deliver New Station for Liverpool City Centre | Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – News|date=13 March 2019|website=Liverpool City Region Combined Authority|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914000123/https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/steve-rotheram-announces-commission-to-deliver-new-station-for-liverpool-city-centre/|archive-date=14 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/17495197.plans-to-build-new-train-station-to-connect-city-centre-to-hs2/|title=Plans to build new train station to connect city centre to HS2|website=Wirral Globe|date=13 March 2019 |access-date=13 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914073810/https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/17495197.plans-to-build-new-train-station-to-connect-city-centre-to-hs2/|archive-date=14 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the HS2 plan, after phase 2a had opened, Liverpool trains would have used the HS2 track from London as far as Crewe, before changing to the existing conventional rail track on the West Coast Main Line to proceed to [[Liverpool Lime Street]], with a stop at [[Runcorn]].
The Integrated Rail Plan proposed to connect Liverpool to HS2 on a reused and upgraded [[St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway|Fiddlers Ferry freight line]], from [[Ditton railway station|Ditton junction]] in [[Halebank]] to a new station at [[Warrington Bank Quay railway station#Low Level|Warrington Bank Quay Low-Level]], which would have been shared with [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]] trains, then onto high-speed track from Warrington to London.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/liverpool-hs2-link-axed-says-mayor-steve-rotheram-jsh0j0mhz | url-access = subscription |title=Government looking to axe Liverpool's HS2 link| last1 = Collins| first1 = David|date=26 May 2019|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=27 May 2019|issn=0956-1382|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526151215/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/liverpool-hs2-link-axed-says-mayor-steve-rotheram-jsh0j0mhz|archive-date=26 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Transport for the North]]'s preferred option was a new high-speed line from Liverpool to the HS2 track into Manchester from Millington junction, with a stop at Warrington, which would also have doubled as a connection from Liverpool to HS2 via Millington. The revised plans under the Integrated Rail Plan had a high-speed line only east of Warrington, with HS2 and [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]] trains reaching Liverpool Lime Street from Warrington on upgraded conventional rail track. Metro mayor Steve Rotheram, along with Greater Manchester's mayor [[Andy Burnham]], were critical of the Integrated Rail Plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.business-live.co.uk/regional-development/a-cheap-nasty-solution-andy-22201747|title = North West leaders react to HS2 U-turn and Northern Powerhouse Rail news|date = 18 November 2021|access-date = 24 November 2021|archive-date = 24 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211124001943/https://www.business-live.co.uk/regional-development/a-cheap-nasty-solution-andy-22201747|url-status = live}}</ref>
===Scotland===
In 2009 the then transport secretary, [[Lord Adonis]], outlined a policy for high-speed rail in the UK as an alternative to domestic air travel, with particular emphasis on travel between the major cities of Scotland and England, "I see this as the union railway, uniting England and Scotland, north and south, richer and poorer parts of our country, sharing wealth and opportunity, pioneering a fundamentally better Britain".<ref>{{cite news|title=HS2 will be the 'Union Railway' of England and Scotland – Adonis|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2009/09/29-hs2-will-be-the-union.html|access-date=24 September 2015|work=Railnews|date=29 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185506/http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2009/09/29-hs2-will-be-the-union.html|archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2011, business and governmental organisations — including Network Rail, [[CBI Scotland]] and [[Transport Scotland]] (the transport agency of the [[Scottish Government]]) — formed the Scottish Partnership Group for high-speed rail to campaign for the extension of the HS2 project north to [[Edinburgh]] and [[Glasgow]]. In December 2011, it published a study that outlined a case for extending high-speed rail to Scotland, proposing a route north from Manchester to Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as an extension to [[Newcastle upon Tyne]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.transport.gov.scot/sites/default/files/documents/rrd_reports/uploaded_reports/j202923/j202923.pdf|title=Fast Track Scotland: Making the Case for High Speed Rail Connections with Scotland|date=December 2011|publisher=Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail|isbn=9781908181213|page=10|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810090420/http://www.transport.gov.scot/sites/default/files/documents/rrd_reports/uploaded_reports/j202923/j202923.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2012 the Scottish Government announced plans to build a {{convert|46|mi|adj=on|abbr=on|order=flip}} high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The proposed link would have reduced journey times between the two cities to under 30{{nbsp}}minutes and was planned to open by 2024, eventually connecting to the high-speed network being developed in England.<ref>{{cite news|title=High-speed rail plan for Glasgow to Edinburgh line|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-20296195|access-date=30 January 2013|publisher=BBC News|date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129085801/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-20296195|archive-date=29 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The plan was cancelled in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=High speed Glasgow-Edinburgh rail link plans 'shelved'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35323728|access-date=16 January 2017|publisher=BBC News|date=15 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312033024/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35323728|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2015 HS2 Ltd had concluded that there was "no business case" to extend HS2 north into Scotland, and that high-speed rail services should proceed north on upgraded conventional track.<ref>{{cite news|last=Leftly|first=Mark|title=SNP fury as HS2 finds 'no business case' for taking fast train service to Scotland|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/snp-fury-as-hs2-finds-no-business-case-for-taking-fast-train-service-to-scotland-10272342.html|access-date=24 September 2015|work=The Independent|date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724140826/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/snp-fury-as-hs2-finds-no-business-case-for-taking-fast-train-service-to-scotland-10272342.html|archive-date=24 July 2015}}</ref>
===Bristol and Cardiff===
The DfT conducted a study on towns and cities that would lose economically from HS2, highlighting [[Bristol]] and [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{cite web|date=19 October 2013|title=Revealed: the towns and cities set to lose millions over HS2|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/hs2-bristol-cambridge-towns-losers-train-government|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Channel 4 News|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128132010/https://www.channel4.com/news/hs2-bristol-cambridge-towns-losers-train-government|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC News-11/2/20" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paton |first1=Graeme |first2=Kasia |last2=Sobocinska |first3=Yasmin |last3=Butt |title=X-shaped HS2 plan will link cities in southwest|newspaper=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/x-shaped-hs2-plan-will-link-cities-in-southwest-frlwptq2g |url-access=subscription|access-date=28 November 2021|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128132008/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/x-shaped-hs2-plan-will-link-cities-in-southwest-frlwptq2g|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Arthur|first=Andrew|date=8 February 2021|title=HS2 rail links through Bristol and South West proposed by report|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/regional-development/x-shaped-hs2-network-could-19779680|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Business Live |archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128132019/https://www.business-live.co.uk/regional-development/x-shaped-hs2-network-could-19779680|url-status=live}}</ref> With decreased journey times between London and Northern England under HS2, Cardiff in particular would be set to lose much of its competitive edge that arose from its proximity to London's financial and legal service companies, due to improved rail connections between London and northern England.<ref>{{cite news |author=Stuart Cole |title=The Impact of HS2 on Wales |url=https://businessnewswales.com/stuart-cole-the-impact-of-hs2-on-wales/ |work=Business News Wales |date=17 February 2020 |access-date=25 August 2022 |archive-date=25 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825143927/https://businessnewswales.com/stuart-cole-the-impact-of-hs2-on-wales/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Proposals were put forward to build a high-speed line between Birmingham to Cardiff or Bristol, creating an X-shaped high-speed network, with Birmingham at its centre.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kennedy|first=Catherine|date=26 August 2021|title=How to redesign HS2 to benefit Wales|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/how-to-redesign-hs2-to-benefit-wales-26-08-2021/|access-date=28 November 2021|magazine=New Civil Engineer |archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128132010/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/how-to-redesign-hs2-to-benefit-wales-26-08-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> There were also proposals for a new high-speed rail project in South Wales, beyond just Cardiff, to connect with the HS2 network.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Renewed calls to level up Wales by building high-speed rail services |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/renewed-calls-to-level-up-wales-by-building-high-speed-rail-services-04-08-2022/ |magazine=New Civil Engineer |date=4 August 2022 |access-date=25 August 2022 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811114246/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/renewed-calls-to-level-up-wales-by-building-high-speed-rail-services-04-08-2022/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Rail transport in Great Britain]]
* [[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom]]
* [[High-speed rail in Europe]]
* [[UK Ultraspeed]], a rejected proposal for a [[Maglev|magnetic-levitation]] line between London and Glasgow.
* [[High Speed 3]], an unofficial name generally used to refer to the Northern Powerhouse Rail project.
* [[HS4Air]], a rejected proposal to link HS2 with High Speed 1 at [[Ashford International]] station in Kent, via [[Heathrow]] and [[Gatwick]] airports.
* [[HighSpeed UK]], an alternative proposal for high-speed services from London to Manchester and Liverpool, but via [[Leicester]] and [[Sheffield]].
==Notes==
{{reflist|group="note"}}
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite web | date = 18 November 2021 | title = Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands | url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034360/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-midlands.pdf | website = UK Government | access-date = 29 December 2021 | ref = {{SfnRef|IRP North and Midlands|2021}} | archive-date = 18 November 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211118113149/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034360/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-midlands.pdf | url-status = live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/newline/carbonimpact.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120035214/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/newline/carbonimpact.pdf |archive-date=20 January 2010 |author=[[Booz Allen Hamilton]] |title=Estimated Carbon Impact of a New North South Line |publisher=[[Department for Transport]] |year=2007 |ref={{SfnRef|BAH|2007}} }}
* DfT (2009): {{cite book |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/infrastructure/pdf/hs2.pdf |archive-url= http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100513152949/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/infrastructure/pdf/hs2.pdf |archive-date= 13 May 2010 |title= Britains Transport Infrastructure High Speed Two |publisher= [[Department for Transport]] |isbn= 978-1-906581-80-0 |year= 2009 |access-date= 8 March 2017 |ref= {{SfnRef|DfT|2009}} }}
* DfT (2010): {{cite book |url= http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm78/7827/7827.pdf |title= High Speed Rail – Command Paper |author= [[Department for Transport]] |publisher= [[The Stationery Office]] |isbn= 978-0-10-178272-2 |date= 11 March 2010 |access-date= 13 March 2010 |ref= {{SfnRef|DfT|2010}} |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110302204705/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm78/7827/7827.pdf |archive-date= 2 March 2011 |url-status= live }}
* HS2 (2010): {{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/ |title=High Speed Rail London to the West Midlands and Beyond: A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited |work=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |date=11 March 2010 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=16 March 2010 |ref={{SfnRef|HS2 Report|2010}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317151917/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/ |archive-date=17 March 2010 }}{{webarchive |format=addlarchives |url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100513152957/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/commandpaper/pdf/cmdpaper.pdf |date=13 May 2010}}
===Detailed maps===
* '''HS2 Phase One''' (2012 Maps): {{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/hs2-maps-20120110/ |title=HS2 revised line of route maps |work=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |date=10 January 2012 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=30 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317181757/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-revised-line-of-route-maps |archive-date=17 March 2014 |ref={{SfnRef|HS2 2012 Maps|2012}} }}
* '''HS2 Phase Two''' (2013 Maps): {{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profile-maps |title=HS2 Phase Two initial preferred route plan and profile maps |work=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |date=28 January 2013 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=10 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214080401/https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profile-maps |archive-date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |ref={{SfnRef|HS2 Phase 2 Maps|2013}} }}
{{Refend}}
==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|title=High Speed 1 won... can High Speed 2, too?|first=Paul|last=Prentice|magazine=Rail|pages=54–59|issue=710|date=28 November – 11 December 2012|___location=Peterborough|publisher=Bauer|issn=0953-4563|oclc=49953699}}
* {{cite web |title=HS2: costs and controversies: How much has the HS2 project cost since its inception? |first1=Gemma |last1=Tetlow |first2=Jeremy |last2=Pattison |website=[[Institute for Government]] |date=5 October 2023 |url=https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/hs2-costs |access-date=26 November 2023}}
* {{cite web |publisher=Department for Transport |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/hspeedlinestudysummaryreport.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100409090644/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/hspeedlinestudysummaryreport.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2010 |title=High Speed Line Study: Summary Report |author=[[Atkins (company)|Atkins]] |year=2009 |access-date=13 March 2010 }}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
{{High Speed 2 articles}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{High-speed railway lines}}
{{Current rail infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom}}
{{Department for Transport}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:High Speed 2| ]]
[[Category:Department for Transport]]
[[Category:High-speed railway lines in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:High-speed railway lines under construction]]
[[Category:Private companies limited by guarantee of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in England]]
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in London]]
[[Category:2020s in rail transport]]
[[Category:2030s in rail transport]]
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