Work to link HS2 to west coast mainline to be delayed for four more years

"The decision to extend the pause means cities in northern parts of the country will have a long wait for even the secondary benefits of HS2, after construction of the planned remaining leg of the railway north of Birmingham was scrapped in 2023. The connection will eventually cut 25 minutes from journeys between London, Liverpool, Manchester and beyond, using new high-speed trains and track as well as the existing mainline."

"HS2 map The chief executive of HS2, Mark Wild, who has embarked on a reset of the programme's work schedule and contracts, has decided to extend the pause on the 18-mile stretch north of Birmingham. In a letter to the leader of Staffordshire county council, reported by the Financial Times, he said he realised the information would be disappointing and HS2 remained fully committed to completing the link to Handsacre."

Work to connect HS2 to the West Coast Main Line between Birmingham and Handsacre will be paused for four years. The stretch was halted in early 2023 to limit HS2 spending. Cities in the north will wait for secondary benefits after the planned northern leg was scrapped. The connection would cut 25 minutes from journeys between London, Liverpool and Manchester using new high-speed track and existing mainline. HS2 chief executive Mark Wild extended the pause while resetting programme schedules and contracts. Project costs have risen since Covid and the final bill is expected to exceed £80bn. First services are delayed beyond 2033 and will start at Old Oak Common, raising capacity concerns.

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