HS2 delayed to at least 2036 while Euston station is futureproofed for expansion

"The HS2 railway, which had been expected to open by 2033, is now not expected to open until 2036 at the earliest, and might not open until 2039. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, confirmed the new opening window for the service running between Old Oak Common and Birmingham."

"The cost of the railway will also rise to between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion in 2025 prices. Previous cost ranges of £70-82 billion were often still based on 2019 prices and hadn't been updated to account for inflation. However, inflation accounts for only a third of the latest increase, with the rest attributed to necessary works outside the scope of the original project plan, underestimation, and inefficient delivery."

"The statement also confirmed that Euston station will open with six platforms to serve services between Birmingham and London, and, importantly, will be futureproofed to add more platforms as services are extended. In addition, the redevelopment of the existing Euston Station will deliver a new station concourse that will accommodate current and future passenger demand on the West Coast Main Line."

"HS2's CEO, Mark Wild, has set his organisation the ambition of delivering the programme at a cost of £93.2 billion and the first passenger carrying trains in late 2037. Mark Wild's "reset" on the project says that progress on completing the civil engineering for the entire line of route is at least 4 years behind the original schedule, and that the time required to test and commission HS2 to ensure a reliable and safe service was"

HS2’s Old Oak Common to Birmingham service is now expected to open between 2036 and possibly 2039, with the earliest opening date moved from 2033. The project cost is forecast to rise to between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion in 2025 prices. Earlier estimates of £70–£82 billion were often based on 2019 prices and did not fully reflect inflation. Inflation accounts for only about a third of the increase, while other factors include additional required works outside the original scope, underestimation, and inefficient delivery. The updated range includes Euston station delivery and related London Underground upgrades, and Euston will open with six platforms and be futureproofed for expansion.

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