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{{short description|British high-speed rail project}}
{{redirect|HS2}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox rail line
{{Infobox rail line
|name = High Speed 2
| name = High Speed 2
|color =
| color = Red
|logo =
| logo = High Speed 2 logo.svg
|logo_width =
| logo_width = 115
|image =
| image = High Speed 2 map 2023.png
|image_width =
| image_width =
| caption = The planned extent of HS2 as of October 2023
|caption =
|type = [[High-speed rail]]way
| type = [[High-speed rail]]way
|system =
| system = [[National Rail]]
|status =
| status = Under construction
| locale = {{Unbulleted list | [[Greater London]] | [[South East England]] | [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]] }}
|locale = United Kingdom
|start = [[London]]
| start = {{rws|London Euston}}
|end = [[Birmingham]], [[Manchester]]
| end = {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}}
| connectinglines = [[West Coast Main Line]]
|stations = 4 (initial)
|routes =
| 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>
|ridership =
| tracks = [[Double track]]
|close =
|owner =
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
|character =
|speed =
| owner =
| character =
|elevation =
| gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
|map =
| load_gauge = [[Loading gauge#European standards|UIC GC]]
|map_state = collapsed
| electrification = {{25 kV 50 Hz AC}} [[Overhead lines|overhead line]]
| speed = {{convert|360|kph|round=5|abbr=on}} maximum, {{convert|330|kph|round=5|abbr=on}} routinely<ref name="FBC"/>
| elevation =
| website = {{Official URL}}
| yearcommenced = 2017
| planopen = 2029 to 2033<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>
| map =
| 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 2017. The line's planned route is between [[Handsacre]], in southern [[Staffordshire]], and London, with a [[Spur line|spur]] 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]], which connects London to the [[Channel Tunnel]]. 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 is planned to be completed by 2033.
{{High Speed 2}}


The new track is being built between [[London Euston railway station|London Euston]] and Handsacre, near [[Lichfield]] in southern Staffordshire, where a junction connects HS2 to the north-south [[West Coast Main Line]]. Stations are planned for [[Old Oak Common railway station|Old Oak Common]] in northwest London, [[Birmingham Interchange railway station|Birmingham Interchange]], near [[Solihull]], and [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Birmingham city centre]]. The [[HS2 rolling stock|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}} on conventional track.
'''High Speed 2''' (HS2) is a proposed [[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom|high speed railway in the United Kingdom]] serving The Midlands and North West with a possible "Y" shaped route from [[London]] to [[Birmingham]] and then spurs to [[Manchester]] and to [[Leeds]] via the [[East Midlands]]. The project is being developed by High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd, a company established by the UK government in January 2009. High speed rail is supported in principle by the three main UK political parties; there is however debate about which cities should be served and on the environmental performance and impact of high speed rail. If approved, construction would begin in 2017 with the first trains running by 2025. The only other high speed route in the UK is [[High Speed 1]] (the Channel Tunnel Rail Link).

The length of the planned new line 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 of HS2 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==
==History==
{{main|History of High Speed 2}}
The Department for Transport published a document in January 2009 giving details of various options for a new high speed railway in the UK<ref group="n">[[#Atkins2009|Atkins(2009)]]</ref> and concluded that the most appropriate initial route for an entirely new high speed line in the UK was from London to the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]].<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport(2009a)]] page 4 paragraph 5</ref>
{{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|Labour government]] 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 [[Cameron–Clegg coalition|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" />

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]] considers 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 High Speed 2—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]] 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 Infrastructure Projects Authority annual report gave Phases 1 and 2A project a "red" [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrastructure-and-projects-authority-annual-report-2022-23 rating], 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 of the United Kingdom|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}} The plan 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 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 will 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>{{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 existing [[West Coast Main Line]] further south at Crewe, instead of south of [[Wigan]]. The Department of 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]]. The Department of Transport will publish its response subject to the funding allocated in the integrated Rail Plan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Will controversial HS2 Golborne spur be scrapped?|url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20055900.will-controversial-hs2-golborne-spur-scrapped/|date=8 April 2022|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-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/|url-status=live}}</ref><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>

===Phase 2===
{{Main|High Speed 2 Phase Two}}

==== Cancellation of Phase 2, October 2023 ====
In October 2023, 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 were to be 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) will 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, opposition leader [[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>
In January 2009 the government established a separate company, High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd chaired by [[David Rowlands (civil servant)|Sir David Rowlands]], to develop the project along the successful lines used for other long [[lead time]] rail infrastructure projects such as High Speed 1 and [[Crossrail]].<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 24" group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 24 paragraph 62</ref><ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 6 paragraph 7</ref> The company would provide advice on the cost and benefits of a proposed route with any options as appropriate, options for a Heathrow International interchange station, options for access to central London and other cities on the route, connectivity with HS1 and the existing rail network, and proposals for financing and construction.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 24 paragraph 63</ref>


==== Ongoing review in 2024 for revival to Manchester ====
In June 2009, Professor Andrew McNaughton, chief engineer for the HS2 suggested that any new line would need to be capable of 250-mile per hour (400&nbsp;km/h) speeds.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Rail News|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/business/2009/06/01-hs-two.html|title=250mph plan for High Speed Two|date=2009-06-01|accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref>


In January 2024, [[Andy Burnham]], [[Mayor of Greater Manchester]], and [[Andy Street]], [[Mayor of the West Midlands]], held talks to "revive the high speed rail project with private investment" after meeting private investors, [[Mark Harper]] ([[Secretary of State for Transport]]), and [[Huw Merriman]] ([[Minister of State for Transport|Minister of State for Rail and HS2]]).<ref name="Constructive-Mayors">{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jennifer |date=31 January 2024 |title=Mayors hold 'constructive' HS2 talks with transport secretary |url=https://news.sky.com/story/mayors-hold-constructive-hs2-talks-with-transport-secretary-13060826 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=[[Sky News]] |language=en}}</ref> Harper said that he was considering the plans with an "open mind".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jennifer |date=23 January 2024 |title=Transport secretary to look at HS2 revival plans with 'open mind' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/transport-secretary-to-look-at-hs2-revival-plans-with-open-mind-13054736 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> Burnham told the [[Transport Select Committee]] of the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] that the gist of the plans were to revive the part of [[High Speed 2 Phase Two|Phase 2]] between Handsacre and [[High Legh]] in Cheshire; trains would then proceed on [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]] to [[Manchester Piccadilly station|Manchester Piccadilly]].<ref name="Constructive-Mayors" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Timan |first=Joseph |date=31 January 2024 |title=HS2 is not coming back - but a new business-backed train line could replace it |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hs2-isnt-coming-back-new-28545231 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}</ref> Burnham said the cost could be "considerably less" than earlier plans if the maximum speed of trains was reduced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2024 |title=Alternatives to HS2 would cost 'considerably less' – Andy Street |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2024/02/07/alternatives-to-hs2-would-cost-considerably-less--andy-street/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=www.shropshirestar.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill|Phase 2b Bill]] remains in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] but the Committee paused its work after the October 2023 announcement.<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>
In August 2009, [[Network Rail]] published their own study outlining its proposals for the expansion of the railway network which included a new high speed rail line between London and Glasgow/Edinburgh, following a route through the West Midlands and the North-West of England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/About%20us/New%20Lines%20Programme/5886_NewLineStudy_synopsis.pdf|work=Meeting the capacity challenge|title=The case for new lines|publisher=[[Network Rail]] New Lines}}</ref>
In December 2009, HS2 handed its report to the British government. Details released to the public showed proposals for a new railway station in London. Construction was listed as being possible to start by 2017, with completion of a first stage between London and the West Midlands by 2025. The study investigated the possibility for links to [[Heathrow Airport]], connections to [[Crossrail]], the [[Great Western Main Line]] and the [[High Speed 1]] Channel Tunnel Rail Link. For the report, a route had been decided and investigated to an accuracy of 0.5 metres (18&nbsp;in). The report was released in preparation for a government [[white paper]] expected to follow in April 2010.<ref name="bbc-submitted">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8432051.stm|title=High-speed rail plans to be submitted to government|date=2009-12-27|accessdate=2009-12-28|work=BBC News Online}}<!--This BBC report appears to confuse HS2 and Network Rail "New Lines" report by using text from one and images from the other--></ref> The Conservative party accused Labour of delaying a decision until after the next election.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-transport-news/2009/12/14/high-speed-rail-plans-to-be-published-in-march-65233-25388742/|title=High Speed Rail plans to be published in March|work=Birmingham Post|accessdate=2009-12-22}}</ref>


A provisional report commissioned by the mayors concluded in March 2024 that the best option would be a new line between Handsacre and [[Manchester Airport]], to meet Northern Powerhouse Rail. The cost could be covered by a combination of government funding and private finance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 March 2024 |title=New Staffordshire-Manchester rail line proposed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw0z72qnnypo |access-date=21 March 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Jennifer |date=21 March 2024 |title=City mayors put forward alternative to axed HS2 northern leg |url=https://www.ft.com/content/183e3afc-099a-4cee-9bed-6416a97d981a |access-date=21 March 2024 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brock |first=Alexander |date=21 March 2024 |title=New rail line between Midlands and Manchester proposed |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-rail-line-between-midlands-28861151 |access-date=21 March 2024 |website=Birmingham Live |language=en}}</ref>
Further details were announced on 11 March 2010 including a number of detailed reports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8561286.stm|title=High-speed rail plans announced by government |work=BBC News|accessdate=2010-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/|title=High Speed Rail|publisher=Department for Transport|accessdate-2010-03-12}}</ref>


==Route==
==Route==
{{hatnote|See also: {{osmrelation|1986960|proposed route of HS2, phase 1}}.}}
[[File:High Speed 2 route.gif|thumb|400px|right|Approximate route of the London-Birmingham section based on the [http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/summary/ official description], also available as [http://umapper.s3.amazonaws.com/maps/kml/58620.kml KML]]]
The line would run from [[London Euston]], mainly in tunnel, to an interchange with [[Crossrail]], west of [[Paddington]], thence along the [[New North Main Line]] (Acton-Northolt Line) past [[West Ruislip]] alongside the [[Chiltern Main Line]] with a four-kilometre viaduct over the [[Grand Union Canal]] and [[River Colne]], from the M25 to past [[Amersham]] in a new 9.6 km tunnel. After emerging from the tunnel, the line would run parallel to the existing [[A413]] road and [[London to Aylesbury Line|London - Aylesbury line]] corridor, bypassing east of [[Great Missenden]], west of [[Wendover]] and [[Aylesbury]]. After Aylesbury, the line would run alongside the Aylesbury line, joining north of [[Quainton Road railway station|Quainton Road]] and then taking over the dismantled stretch of this line, the [[Great Central Main Line]], to [[Brackley]].


===London to Handsacre and Birmingham===
Less studied are the routes of any possible extensions from Birmingham to Manchester and to Sheffield and Leeds which would allow connections to the North and Scotland.
[[File:HS2 phase 1.png|thumb|390px|Phase 1 of HS2: London to Birmingham]]
<ref name=f4.2 group="n"/>
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 Main Line|Chiltern Line]].


Upon opening, HS2 and West Coast Main Line compatible trains will operate from London, reaching Birmingham in 49 minutes and Birmingham Interchange in 38 minutes. Trains will journey to other destinations on a mix of HS2 and conventional track. Journeys to Liverpool will take 1 hour 50 minutes, to Glasgow 4 hours, and to Manchester 1 hour 40 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 West Midlands would be the first stage of a line to Scotland<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], pages 16 paragraphs 37</ref> and passengers traveling to or from Scotland would be able to use through-trains with a saving of 45 minutes from day one.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://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|work=The Independent|date=2010-01-02|accessdate=2010-01-04}}</ref> If approved, construction would begin in 2017, with the first trains running by 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6970975.ece|title=Britain in line for Europe's fastest railway|accessdate=2009-12-31}}</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 [[Tunnel#Cut-and-cover|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 railway station|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.
It is possible to view the route [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=http:%2F%2Fumapper.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmaps%2Fkml%2F58620.kml&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.157147,30.849609&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=8 over Google satellite photography] and on an [http://www.umapper.com/maps/view/id/58620/ OpenStreetMap map base]. Note that the route may not be completely accurate as it has been traced from some very unclear and awkward to use PDF maps. The route can also be viewed using the [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8564154.stm official maps published by the DfT].


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, Warwickshire|Coleshill]] there will be a complex triangular branch junction, with six tracks at one section, 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}}
===Possible connection to High Speed 1===


==Branches to other lines==
Whether and how High Speed 2 should connect to [[High Speed 1]] has not yet been decided. The government [[command paper]] says:


===West Coast Main Line===
"... the new British high speed rail network should be connected to the wider European high speed rail network via High Speed One and the Channel Tunnel, subject to cost and value for money. This could be achieved through either or both of a dedicated rapid transport system linking Euston and St Pancras and a direct rail link to High Speed One."<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 9</ref>
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==
The route engineering study conducted by [[Arup]] for High Speed 2 costed a "classic speed" GC gauge direct rail link at £458m (single track) or £812m (double track). The connection would be from Old Oak Common to the High Speed 1 St Pancras portal, via tunnel and the [[North London Line]]. A double track high speed connection would cost £3.6bn.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/routeengineering/pdf/chapter9.pdf|title=Route Engineering Study Final Report: A Report for HS2, chapter 9|author=Arup|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>


===Central London===
The High Speed 2 report recommended that if a direct rail link is built, it shoud be the classic speed, double track option.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3d.pdf|title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 3 p134"|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>
{{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]]
High Speed 2 is to share a southern terminus with the [[West Coast Main Line]] at London Euston, which is to be remodelled to integrate the new HS2 platforms and concourse with the current conventional rail station. There will be an improved connection to the adjacent [[Euston Square tube station]], which serves the [[Circle line (London Underground)|Circle]], [[Hammersmith & City line|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> 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>


===Journey times===
===West London===
{{main|Old Oak Common railway station}}
Proposed journey times for some routes:<ref name=f4.2 group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 67 F4.2</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3d.pdf|title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 3 p147"|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3d.pdf|title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 6 p226"|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>
[[File:Willesden Junction map with Old Oak Common.png|thumb|Planned transport links of Old Oak Common railway station]]
{|class="wikitable"
{{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 [[London Heathrow Airport|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 motorway|M42]], [[A45 road|A45]], and [[A452]] highways. A [[people mover]] with a capacity of over 2,100 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, Warwickshire|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 [[Birmingham New Street railway station|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==
=== London Old Oak Common ===
The plan makes provision for HS2 service passenger interchanges to the [[Elizabeth Line]] and [[Great Western Railway|Great Western Line]].<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}}, {{rws|Birmingham New Street}} and {{rws|Wolverhampton}}.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

== 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 railway station|Old Oak Common station]]. The [[Northolt tunnel]] will cover the area between Old Oak Common and the [[Colne Valley Viaduct]] in West Ruislip. The [[Chiltern tunnel]] will be the longest tunnel on the route and will travel {{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]].

=== Euston tunnel ===
{{Main|Euston tunnel}}
In April 2023, HS2 announced that work on the 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 £1bn 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 Northolt tunnels are being constructed with four TBMs; two tunnelling West to East and two tunnelling East to West, with the plan to meet 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 the all the tunnels planned to be finished by the end of 2025.<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> Sushila broke through in December 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/resources/x7eiz-tkboa-p3ows-2c4i8-hacfm |title= It’s in the can! – HS2 tunnelling machine finishes its 5-mile journey}}</ref>

=== Chiltern tunnel ===
{{Main|Chiltern tunnel}}
The {{convert|10|mi|adj=on}} Chiltern tunnels was scheduled to take three years to dig, using two {{convert|2,000|t|adj=on}} [[tunnel boring machine]]s (TBM).<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 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 Bromford tunnels from [[Water Orton]] in [[North Warwickshire]] to Birmingham are being bored by TBMs Mary Ann and Elizabeth. Mary Ann started tunnelling in June 2023 and will finish in 2024, 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>

==Main 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>

===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 station|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 stand|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>

===Colne Valley Viaduct===
{{Main|Colne Valley Viaduct}}

The Colne Valley Viaduct is a {{convert|2.1|mi|adj=on}}-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 tunnel|Northolt]] and [[Chiltern Tunnel|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.
===Other sites===
Construction of [[Old Oak Common railway station|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>

==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}}

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"
! colspan="4" | London to Birmingham
|-
|-
! width="250" | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at !! Train<br />length
!London to...!!Currently!!Proposed (following completion to Birmingham)!!Proposed (following completion of 'Y' to Manchester and Leeds)!!Projected (following completion to Glasgow/Edinburgh)+
|-
|-
| {{rws|London Euston}} – {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}} || 3 || {{rws|Old Oak Common}}, {{rws|Birmingham Interchange}} || 400{{nbsp}}m
|[[Birmingham]]
|1 hour 24 minutes
|49 minutes
|(unchanged)
|(unchanged)
|-
|-
! colspan="4" | London to the North West and Scotland
|[[Manchester]]
|2 hours 8 minutes
|1 hour 40 minutes
|1 hour 20 minutes
|(unchanged)
|-
|-
! width="250" | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at !! Train<br />length
|[[Liverpool]]
|2 hours 10 minutes
|1 hour 50 minutes
|1 hour 36 minutes
|(unchanged)
|-
|-
| {{rws|London Euston}} – {{rws|Manchester Piccadilly}} || 3 || {{rws|Old Oak Common}}, {{rws|Wilmslow}} ({{abbr|1tph|1 train per hour}}), {{rws|Stockport}} || 200{{nbsp}}m
|[[Leeds]]
|2 hours 20 minutes
|(unchanged)
|1 hour 20 minutes
|(unchanged)
|-
|-
| {{rws|London Euston}} – {{rws|Macclesfield}} || 1 || Old Oak Common, {{rws|Stafford}}, {{rws|Stoke-on-Trent}} <br />Would only operate if phase 2a was open. || 200{{nbsp}}m
|[[Edinburgh]]
|4 hours 30 minutes
|(unchanged)
|3 hours 30 minutes
|2 hours 40 minutes
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| London Euston – {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} || 1 || Old Oak Common, Stafford, {{rws|Runcorn}}<br />Would call at Crewe in lieu of Stafford if phase 2a was open. || 200{{nbsp}}m
|-
| 1 || Old Oak Common, {{rws|Crewe}}, Runcorn <br />Would operate combined with the Lancaster train (see below) between London and Crewe if phase 2a was open. || 200{{nbsp}}m
|-
| London Euston – {{rws|Lancaster}} || 1 || Old Oak Common, Crewe, {{rws|Warrington Bank Quay}}, {{rws|Wigan North Western}}, {{rws|Preston}} <br />Would operate combined with the Liverpool train (see above) between London and Crewe if phase 2a was open. || 200{{nbsp}}m
|-
| London Euston – {{rws|Glasgow Central}} || 1 || Old Oak Common, Preston, {{rws|Carlisle}} || 200{{nbsp}}m
|}

[[File:HS2 vector map.jpg|thumb|right|A map of proposed HS2 services with fully open Phase 2]]

===Operator===
The ongoing servicing and maintenance of High Speed 2 is 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 will be 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> The initial franchise contract is for the first three-to-five years of HS2's operation.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/694762/wcp-stakeholder-briefing-document.pdf West Coast Partnership: stakeholder briefing document] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330014530/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/694762/wcp-stakeholder-briefing-document.pdf |date=30 March 2018}} Department for Transport 27 March 2018</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14821876.West_Coast_franchise_winner___39_will_run_first_HS2_trains__39_/|title=West Coast franchise winner 'will run first HS2 trains'| last1 = McArdle| first1 = Helen|date=25 October 2016|website=The Herald, Scotland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816002449/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14821876.West_Coast_franchise_winner___39_will_run_first_HS2_trains__39_/|archive-date=16 August 2017|access-date=27 September 2019}}</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=November 2021|reason=reflecting on the Nov 2021 Integrated Rail Plan}}

{|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 will carry up to 26,000 people per hour,<ref name=govannouncement/> with anticipated annual passenger numbers of 85{{nbsp}}million.<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|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 will be used intensively, with up to 17 trains per hour travelling to and from Euston. As all trains will 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, East Coast Main Line, and Midland Main Line, allowing for more slow freight trains and 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}}. [[European Train Control System|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 [[Ballastless track|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|HS2 rolling stock}}
[[File:HS2 train.jpg|thumb|Proposed design of HS2 rolling stock by Hitachi and Alstom joint venture]]

In December 2021, DfT and HS2 announced that the rolling-stock contract had been awarded to the Hitachi–Alstom joint venture.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2's state-of-the-art fleet of high speed trains a major boost for UK train-building |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-ltd-awards-landmark-rolling-stock-contracts-to-hitachi-alstom-joint-venture |date=9 December 2021 |website=HS2 |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306095754/https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/hs2-ltd-awards-landmark-rolling-stock-contracts-to-hitachi-alstom-joint-venture |url-status=live }}</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> The first train is expected to be delivered around 2027.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gill |first1=Oliver |title=HS2 on track to be the 'fastest train in Europe' |work=The Daily Telegraph |issue=51,809 |date=10 December 2021 |location=Business |page=8|issn=0307-1235}}</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>

====Procurement timeline====
The 2010 DfT government command-paper outlined some 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>

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}}

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}}

Alstom, one of the bidders for the contract to build the trains, proposed in October 2016 that HS2 "tilting trains" could run on HS2 and conventional tracks, to increase overall speeds when operating on conventional tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/tilting-trains-could-run-from-hs2-onto-the-rest-of-the-rail-network|title=Tilting trains could run from HS2 onto the rest of the rail network|website=www.imeche.org|access-date=21 May 2018|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|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/77ba6e10-7c36-11e6-b837-eb4b4333ee43|url-access = subscription| title=Alstom claims tilting train can solve HS2's speed conundrum|work=Financial Times|date=20 September 2016|access-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521021204/https://www.ft.com/content/77ba6e10-7c36-11e6-b837-eb4b4333ee43|archive-date=21 May 2018|url-status=live|last1=Wright|first1=Robert|last2=Plimmer|first2=Gill}}</ref>

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. On the conventional network, the energy costs are £2.00 per km and £2.60 per km, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|work=HS2 Ltd.|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|access-date=30 December 2015|page=20|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|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first batch of [[rolling stock]] for HS2 was specified in the Train Technical Specification issued with the Invitation To Tender (ITT), 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. The first batch includes 54 trainsets with a maximum speed of at least {{convert|360|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}} and with the capability to operate on both HS2 and existing infrastructure.<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|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> In November 2021, it was reported that the decision remained with the DfT for approval.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Horgan|first1=Rob|date=24 November 2021|title=HS2 waiting on Shapps approval to award maligned £2.75bn rolling stock contract |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-waiting-on-shapps-approval-to-award-maligned-2-75bn-rolling-stock-contract-24-11-2021/|access-date=7 December 2021 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207130858/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-waiting-on-shapps-approval-to-award-maligned-2-75bn-rolling-stock-contract-24-11-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Maintenance depots===
{{update|part=section|date=November 2021|reason=reflecting on the Nov 2021 Integrated Rail Plan}}
A rolling-stock depot will be [[Washwood Heath depot|built in Washwood Heath]], Birmingham, covering all of Phase 1 and Phase 2a.<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> In July 2018, the then [[Transport Secretary]], [[Chris Grayling]], announced that the rolling stock depot for the eastern leg of Phase 2b would be at [[Gateway 45]] near to the M1 motorway in Leeds.<ref>{{cite news |title=HS2 depot to be located in Leeds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-44695730 |access-date=4 July 2018 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721010720/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-44695730 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=HS2 eastern leg rolling stock depot confirmed for Leeds |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/hs2-eastern-leg-rolling-stock-depot-confirmed-for-leeds |work=Rail Technology Magazine |date=4 July 2018 |access-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709011405/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/hs2-eastern-leg-rolling-stock-depot-confirmed-for-leeds |archive-date=9 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> An additional depot in [[Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway|Annandale]], north of [[Gretna Green]] and south of [[Kirkpatrick Fleming]], was announced in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Longhorn |first=Danny |title=HS2's journey north accelerates as public consultation opens on latest proposals |url=https://www.railbusinessdaily.com/hs2s-journey-north-accelerates-as-public-consultation-opens-on-latest-proposals/ |date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620131749/https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/hs2s-journey-north-accelerates-as-public-consultation-opens-on-latest-proposals/ |archive-date=20 June 2021 |website=Rail Business Daily |language=en-GB |access-date=30 April 2023}}</ref>

The infrastructure maintenance depot (IMD) for Phase 1 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> In the working draft environmental statement for Phase 2b, the IMD on the eastern leg is proposed for near [[Staveley, Derbyshire]], on a former chemical works site, while Phase 2b, the western leg, will have one near [[Stone, Staffordshire]].<ref>{{cite web |title=High Speed Rail (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) Working Draft Environmental Statement Non-technical Summary |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/745083/HS2_Phase_2b_Working_Draft_ES_Non_Technical_Summary.pdf |website=gov.uk |publisher=DfT |access-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021233845/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/745083/HS2_Phase_2b_Working_Draft_ES_Non_Technical_Summary.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Journey times==
The DfT's latest revised estimates of journey times for some major destinations have been set out in various government documents, including the business cases for each phase and other related documents.

===HS2 services from London===
Since the cancellation of phase 2 of HS2, services and journey times will only be determined shortly before completion of the project. However, times below are based on previous announcements, so can only be approximate.<ref>{{cite report |date=24 January 2024 |title=HS2 and Euston |website=House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts - 2023–24 |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43184/documents/214904/default/ }}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!London to/from
!Fastest journey time before HS2
(hrs:min)
!Estimated time after HS2
(hrs:min)
!Estimated time reduction
|-
|[[Birmingham]]
|1:16
|0:52
|0:24
|-
|[[Liverpool]]
|2:03
|1:50
|0:13<ref name="assets.publishing.service.gov.uk">{{cite report |date=November 2013 |title=HS2 Phase One - London to West Midlands Environmental Statement |publisher=Department for Transport |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf }}</ref>
|-
|[[Manchester]]
|2:08
|1:40
|0:28
|-
|[[Glasgow]]
|[[Glasgow]]
|4 hours 30 minutes
|4:30
|4 hours
|4:00
|0:30<ref name="assets.publishing.service.gov.uk"/>
|3 hours 30 minutes
|- class="sortbottom"
|2 hours 40 minutes
! colspan="4" | Sources:<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296 |title=HS2: What is the route, when will it be finished and what will it cost? |publisher=BBC News |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430214825/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/259487/NTS_for_web_ES_3.0.0.pdf|title=HS2 Phase 1 Environmental Statement Non-technical summary|date=November 2013|publisher=Department for Transport|page=27|access-date=16 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><ref>{{cite web|date=August 2019|title=Our story and key facts |url=https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/14094931/our-story-and-key-facts.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521055116/https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/14094931/our-story-and-key-facts.pdf|archive-date=21 May 2020|access-date=28 July 2020 |publisher=High Speed Two Ltd}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=High Speed Two (HS2) Phase Two|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/628526/CS866_A_HS2_Phase_2a_Economic_case.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724173348/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/628526/CS866_A_HS2_Phase_2a_Economic_case.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="HS2 Journey Planner">{{cite web|title=HS2 Journey Planner|url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/where/journey-planner/|access-date=10 November 2020|website=High Speed 2|language=en-GB|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031192721/https://www.hs2.org.uk/where/journey-planner/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
|}


==Funding==
+ An extension to Scotland is described in the government command paper as a "longer term aspiration."<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], pages 78 paragraph 4.47</ref>
{{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" /> 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|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 top UK 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 &#124; 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.co.uk/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—the budget in 2019 prices was at the time of the Oakervee Review only £62.4{{nbsp}}billion—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.co.uk/edition/news/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>
==Proposed stations==
[[File:Proposed Curzon Street Station layout.png|thumb|Proposed layout for [[Curzon Street Station]]]]
===Birmingham Curzon Street===
{{Main|Curzon Street Station}}
A new station would be built partly on the site of the old [[Curzon Street Station]], as the Birmingham terminus for High Speed 2. It would be reached via a spur line from the main route. The site is termed Birmingham Curzon Street in the government's [[command paper]]<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 112</ref> and as 'Birmingham Fazeley Street' in the report produced by High Speed 2 Ltd with reference to a nearby street.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3c.pdf|title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 3 p117 |accessdate=2010-03-12}}</ref> The two names do however refer to a station at the same location.


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 £6{{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>
Curzon street was the main station for Birmingham until the nearby [[Birmingham New Street]] railway station was completed in the 1850s. Birmingham New Street is however already operating at full capacity and would be unable to accommodate new high speed services.


===Birmingham Interchange===
===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 in [[Wales]], 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.
[[File:Birmingham interchange.png|thumb|right|The proposed 'Birmingham Interchange']]
The March 2010 report proposes that a new "Birmingham Interchange" station would be built on the other side of the [[M42 motorway]] from the [[National Exhibition Centre]], [[Birmingham International Airport, West Midlands|Birmingham International Airport]] and [[Birmingham International railway station|Birmingham International Station]].<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 118</ref> The new interchange would be connected by a "rapid transit [[people mover]]" to the other sites; the [[AirRail Link]] people mover already operates between Birmingham International station and the airport.


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>
===Crossrail interchange===
[[File:Crossrail interchange.png|thumb|right|[[Crossrail]] Interchange in west London]]
The March 2010 report proposes that all trains would stop at a new "Crossrail interchange" located near [[Old Oak Common]] between [[Paddington station|London Paddington]] and {{stnlnk|Acton Main Line}} stations with connections for [[Crossrail]], [[Heathrow Express]] and services on the [[Great Western Main Line]] to [[London Heathrow Airport|Heathrow Airport]], [[Reading]], [[South West England]] and [[South Wales]]. The Station also may also have connections with [[London Overground]] and [[Southern (train operating company)|Southern]] services on the [[North London Line|North London]] and [[West London Line|West London Lines]] and also with [[London Underground]]'s [[Central Line]]<ref>[http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/commandpaper/pdf/cmdpap.pdf DFT:High Speed Rail] Page No. 107, Accessed 16 March 2010</ref>


Following the cancelling of Phase 2, Wales' estimated claim was reduced to £3.9 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 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>
===London Euston===
[[File:Euston High Speed 2.png|thumb|right|Terminus at Euston, also showing terminus for High Speed 1 at Kings Cross]]
The line would terminate at an expanded [[London Euston railway station|London Euston]] which will serve both conventional rail and high speed rail. A rapid transit link between Euston and [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras]] may be provided. The Command Paper also anticipates that the connection with Crossrail will mean that the prospective additional passenger load at [[Euston tube station|Euston]] will be mitigated.


In 2020, trains between north Wales and London take roughly three{{nbsp}}hours and forty-five{{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 Coast Line|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" />
===East Midlands "parkway" station===
''Not to be confused with [[East Midlands Parkway railway station]] on the [[Midland Main Line]].''
A new "parkway" station in the East Midlands is also proposed at a new site (not the site of the current [[East Midlands Parkway railway station|East Midlands Parkway station]]). It is not yet known where this station would be sited, as Sir David Rowlands of High Speed Two explained: "Taken individually, [[Nottingham]], [[Leicester]] or [[Derby]] may not have adequate capacity for a high-speed line. They are not as big as Birmingham or Manchester ... but if you take them together, and have something that can serve all three, that's maybe the best way to go."<ref name=ThisIsNotts>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/roundup/New-parkway-station-built-East-Midlands/article-1569744-detail/article.html|title=New 'parkway' station could be built in East Midlands|work=This is Nottingham|date=2009-12-03|accessdate=2010-01-04}}</ref>


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 [[UK 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" />
Business leaders in the area supported high-speed rail coming to the East Midlands but were concerned that "If a station was connected to a city rather than a parkway it would cut connecting traffic ... The time it would take to get to a parkway would also negate the shorter journey times of the high-speed train itself.<ref name=ThisIsNotts/>


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>
==Infrastructure==


==Perspectives==
Like High Speed 1, the new line will be built to the European GC [[loading gauge]]<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 127</ref>.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter2.pdf|title=High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 2 p41"|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>


===Government rationale===
The line would have a maximum design speed of 250mph.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 127</ref> Initially trains would run at at least 225mph.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 129</ref>
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}}
The line would be built to handle freight trains if required, although it would not be feasible to run freight trains as part of normal operations due to their low speed. However, the high speed line would release capacity on the [[West Coast Main Line]] and [[Midland Main Line]] for freight.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 130</ref>


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>
==Rolling Stock==


===Support===
Two types of high speed trains are planned.
{{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|Green Party]].<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 [[Cameron–Clegg coalition|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>
'Classic compatible' trains would be built to the British loading gauge and could run off the high speed line onto conventional routes such as the West Coast Main Line.


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" />
A second set of trains would be confined to the high speed line (or other areas cleared to GC gauge). These trains would be wider and taller. They could include double decker trains (similar to the [[TGV Duplex]]).


===Opposition===
The operating characteristics of both types of train would be the same, including a maximum speed of at least 225mph.
{{Main|List of opposition to High Speed 2}}


Until September 2024, The [[Green Party of England and Wales|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>
Because of their non-standard nature, classic compatible trains are expected to be more expensive to procure.
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 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}} 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 for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|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>
Each train would be 200m long. Two trains could be joined together for a 400m train, but only stations built for the high speed line would be able to accomodate such long trains.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 129</ref>


===Opposition to construction===
==Environmental impact==
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 of England and Wales|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>
===Environmental degradation===
There are concerns that the route is likely to damage the [[Chiltern Hills]] [[area of outstanding natural beauty]], the [[River Colne, Hertfordshire|Colne]] valley regional park on the outskirts of London and other areas of [[green belt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091208/halltext/91208h0006.htm|title=8 Dec 2009 : Column 31WH—continued|work=Hansard|accessdate=2010-01-04}}</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.co.uk/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>
The proposals also include the re-alignment of over 1 kilometre of the already re-aligned River Tame, construction of a 635-metre long viaduct and a large cutting through ancient woodland at the [[The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country]] nature reserve at [[Park Hall]] on the edge of Birmingham<ref>http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/westmidmap04.pdf</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>
The scheme would result in the demolition of 440 homes; 250 around Euston station, 'dozens' in West London and most of the rest in Birmingham. The Government has announced plans to compensate those affected by the route who have a "pressing need to sell their homes" but are unable to do so after a period of three months. After May 2010, homeowners who can't sell their houses while the scheme is in the planning stage can apply to have the property bought at market value by High Speed 2. The compensation scheme would remain in place until the project received formal planning approval at which point compensation would be handled by existing measures aimed at homeowners affected by major strategic projects. <ref name=hundreds>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/7078215/Hundreds-of-homes-will-go-for-new-high-speed-rail-line.html|title=Hundreds of homes will go for new high speed rail line|work=The Telegraph|date=2010-03-12|accessdate=2010-03-14}}</ref>


In the spring of 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 the county of [[Staffordshire]].
===Carbon emissions===
In 2007 the [[Department for Transport]] commissioned a report to investigated likely the carbon impacts associated with the construction and operation of a new rail line to either Manchester or Scotland, and in particular the comparison with emissions from domestic flights, when airport infrastructure carbon costs are discounted.


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>
The report concluded that there were "no potential carbon benefit in building a new line on the London to Manchester over the 60-year appraisal period. In essence, the additional carbon emitted by building and operating a new rail route is larger than the entire quantity of carbon emitted by the air services".<ref group="n">[[#bah2007|Booz Allen Hamilton (2007)]], p.6</ref> It did also note that "Construction emissions are only considered for the new line rail options, no construction emissions are assumed for domestic air."<ref group="n">[[#bah2007|Booz Allen Hamilton (2007)]], p.13</ref> The report, "Estimated Carbon Impact of a New North South Line", was commissioned from [[Booz Allen Hamilton]].<ref group="n">[[#bah2007|Booz Allen Hamilton (2007)]]</ref>


==Environmental and community impact==
The "High Speed Rail Command paper" published in March 2010 estimated that the carbon impact of the scheme would be between -25.0 to +26.6 MtCO<sub>2</sub> over a 60-year period and noted that the figures would be very sensitive to the assumptions relating to [[Load factor (transportation)|load factor]], the modal shift achieved away from aviation and the carbon intensity of electricity generation. Should no reduction in aviation be achieved and if there was no change to carbon intensity of electricity generation then the scheme would increase emissions by 0.44 million tonnes per year.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2010a|Department for Transport (2010a)]], page 53</ref>
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 |work= High Speed 2 – Impact on the Chilterns |publisher= Chilterns AONB |access-date= 10 January 2012}} {{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</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]], ''[[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 [[Crowdfunding|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 [[Kim Lewison|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.co.uk/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>
==Management==
===High Speed 2 Ltd===
High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd was established in January 2009,<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 5 paragraph 8</ref> to study the feasibility and viability of a new line<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 24 paragraph 61</ref> using trains capable of travelling at speeds over {{convert|150|mph|sigfig=2}}.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 23 paragraph 56</ref> The company's stated purpose was to "help consider the case for new high speed services from London to Scotland."<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 6" group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 6 paragraph 9</ref> As a first stage, initial proposals for a new line would be considered for routes between London and the West Midlands,<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 6" group="n"/><ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 12 paragraph 37</ref> with the new line extended over time to reach Scotland.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 17 paragraph 40</ref> The company would report formally to the Government on the initial issues affecting this first stage by the end of 2009.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 24 paragraph 65</ref>


===Property demolition, land take and compensation===
The company would draw on existing consultation produced for the [[Department for Transport]] (DfT) and [[Network Rail]], soliciting new consultation where needed, and would utilise Department for Transport and Network Rail staff as well as recruiting externally.<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 24" group="n"/> While the project was launched as an independent initiative, in launching the HS2 company the government acknowledged the contributions of both the consultancy group Arup in suggesting a high speed link from Heathrow to London, and of HSR advocacy group Greengauge 21 in justifying High Speed rail based on the limitations of the WCML, as both having been important.<ref name="FT16Jan09">{{cite news
{{anchor|Demolition of property}}
|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/409b32d8-e36f-11dd-a5cf-0000779fd2ac.html
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/}}</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>
|title=High-speed line wins go-ahead
|first=Robert|last=Wright
|date=2009-01-16
|accessdate=2009-01-20
|work=[[Financial Times]]
}}</ref>


===Ancient woodland impact===
The board consists of:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hs2.org.uk/the-board|title=About HS2|publisher=HS2 Ltd}}</ref>
The [[Woodland Trust]] states that 108 [[ancient woodland]]s will be damaged due to HS2, 33 [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|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, the term "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 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005657/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-12-10/debates/15121049000001/ProtectionOfAncientWoodlandAndTrees |date=27 June 2018 }}</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|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===
* Sir [[David Rowlands (civil servant)|David Rowlands]] - Non-Executive Chairman
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 footprint|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}}
* Alison Munro - Chief Executive and Board Member
* Sir Brian Briscoe - Non-Executive Board Member
* Andy Friend - Non-Executive Board Member
* Mike Welton - Non-Executive Board Member
* Tim Wellburn - Non-Executive Board Member


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" />
==Alternative proposals==
{{see also|High-speed rail in the United Kingdom}}


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 intention of the chosen scheme is to relieve congestion on the [[motorways]], rather than replicating an existing route such as the [[West Coast Main Line]].<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], pages 12-16 paragraphs 32-37</ref> and the selected route was identified as "the single most important and heavily used" strategic national transport corridors in England, for both passenger and freight traffic by road and rail,<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 12 paragraph 31</ref> with the corridor being cited as having twice the size of travel market as London to the [[North West England|North West]] and six times that of London to Scotland.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 18 paragraph 48</ref> The DfT cited the significant rail market share (52%) of [[North East England]], "a region well served by efficient and reasonably fast rail services", as showing that the new line could achieve a "[[mode of transport|modal shift]]" to rail, from road and air.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 18 paragraph 47</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">High Speed 2'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>
In launching the project the DfT announced that the new High Speed&nbsp;2 line between London and the West Midlands would follow a different [[alignment]] to the existing WCML, because it was considered to be too costly to provide extra capacity by building new rail alongside the existing WCML while the existing track was in use. Furthermore, parts of the existing [[Victorian era]] WCML alignment were not suitable for High Speed Rail service.<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 12" group="n"/>


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" />
The Government stated that the new line would improve rail services from London to "Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and other destinations in the north of England and Scotland",<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 5 paragraph 4</ref> and an approach route west of London would allow opportunities to "improve surface access by rail to Heathrow Airport."<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 17 paragraph 41</ref> Furthermore, if the new line were connected to the [[Great Western Main Line]] (GWML) and [[Crossrail]] it would provide links with East and West London, and the Thames Valley.<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 18" group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 18 paragraph 43</ref>


===Noise===
The DfT also said that the [[West Coast Main Line]] (WCML), the existing UK main railway line serving the corridor, was the United Kingdom's busiest, but was expected to be "overloaded south of Rugby by about 2025".<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 5 paragraph 6</ref> This was despite a recently completed upgrade, and the expected implementation of plans for longer trains and in-cab signalling.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 12 paragraph 43</ref> Specifically for the WCML as opposed to other main lines, it was asserted that no further significant capacity enhancements were possible without "major disruption to passengers and freight services".<ref name="Transport, High Speed Two page 12" group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 12 paragraph 36</ref> It was proposed that released capacity on the existing WCML due to construction of HS2 would then be used to enhance services for the [[Northampton]], [[Milton Keynes]] and [[South Midlands]] area, identified as the "largest growth area in the UK" with a population of 1.6-million people.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 12 paragraph 38</ref>
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/>


===Atkins study===
===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 (UK Parliament constituency)|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 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>
The [[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom#Atkins study|Atkins study]] had identified routes to the West Midlands, Liverpool and Manchester as being capacity constrained by 2015 and this is almost certainly where the first HSL will be required. Atkins also recommended having two routes, one each side of the Pennines. The study recommends against a trunk and branch structure.


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>
===Network Rail proposal===
A [[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom#Network Rail study|Network Rail study]] published in August 2009 proposed an alternative high speed route to Scotland via the north west which would replace the [[West Coast Main Line]] making it{{Vague|"it"?|date=March 2010}} available for regional services. The report did not find in favour of the line running through Heathrow airport, but favoured a high-speed spur to the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/About%20us/New%20Lines%20Programme/5886_NewLineStudy_synopsis.pdf|title=Meeting the capacity challenge: The case for new lines|publisher=Network Rail}}</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}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709174221/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100628/text/100628w0003.htm |date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="High Speed Two HS2 Limited"/>
===Maglev===
A line using [[maglev (transport)|maglev]] technology was dismissed as being too costly to build, not as environmentally friendly as conventional high-speed rail, unable to integrate with the existing UK rail network or future high-speed lines, and unable to bring the operational flexibility and advantages of conventional high speed rail, such as the development of [[Southeastern (train operating company)#High speed services|domestic services on HS1]] which use high-speed railways in part.<ref group="n">[[#Dft2009a|Department for Transport (2009a)]], page 23 paragraphs 58–60</ref>


== See also ==
===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>
*[[Megaproject]]

*[[Rail transport in the United Kingdom]]
=== Archaeological discoveries ===
*[[Transport in London]]
[[File:St James's Church archaeological dig 2018 01.jpg|thumb|Excavation work at St James's Church burial ground in 2018]]
*[[UK Ultraspeed]]
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>
*[[High-speed rail in the United Kingdom|High Speed Rail in the UK]]

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.co.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 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]], [[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|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, led by Rachel Wood, have 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 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 [[South Northamptonshire]], close to [[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 [[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 jewelry, 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/}}</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/}}</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/}}</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 phases ==
{{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|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>

===Phase 2a: West Midlands to Crewe===
Phase 2a would have extended the line northwest to the Crewe Hub from the northern extremity of Phase 1, north of Lichfield. At Lichfield, HS2 would also have connected to the West Coast Main Line.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} Phase 2a was approved by the House of Commons in July 2019,<ref>{{cite web |title=Rail leaders respond as HS2 vote passes |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/HS2/rail-leaders-and-mps-clash-as-hs2-vote-passes |url-status=live |website=www.railtechnologymagazine.com |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717055549/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/HS2/rail-leaders-and-mps-clash-as-hs2-vote-passes |archive-date=17 July 2019}}</ref> and received Royal Assent on 11 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harrabin |first=Roger |title=HS2: Next phase of controversial rail network gets green light |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56017605 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 February 2021 |date=11 February 2021 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212010654/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56017605}}</ref>

[[File:Rth Crewe A-G 30.08.05R edited-2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[[Crewe station]] looking NE, showing the six converging conventional railway lines in August 2005]]

The Crewe Hub would have been an important addition to the HS2 network, giving additional connectivity to existing lines radiating from the Crewe junction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government confirms commitment to Crewe Hub vision |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-commitment-to-crewe-hub-vision |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=19 May 2019 |date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730002138/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-commitment-to-crewe-hub-vision |archive-date=30 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The components were:
* An upgraded station at Crewe, to cope with high-speed trains.
* A tunnel under the station to allow HS2 trains to bypass the station while remaining on high-speed tracks.
* Branches onto the West Coast Main Line immediately to the south and north of the station, to allow HS2 trains to enter the station.<ref name="fromcrewe">{{cite web |title=High Speed Two: From Crewe to Manchester, the West Midlands to Leeds and beyond |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/568268/high-speed-two-crewe-manchester-west-midlands-leeds-print-version.pdf |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=19 May 2019 |date=November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117213053/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/568268/high-speed-two-crewe-manchester-west-midlands-leeds-print-version.pdf |archive-date=17 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Phase 2b: Crewe to Wigan & Manchester, western section===
HS2 track would have continued north from Crewe. As the line passed through Cheshire at [[Millington, Cheshire|Millington]], it would have branched to Manchester using a [[Wye (rail)|triangular junction]]. At this junction, the line would also have branched to Warrington on [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]] (NPR) track.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} The Manchester branch was intended to veer east and proceed through a station at Manchester Airport, with the line then entering a {{convert|10|mi|adj=on}} tunnel under the suburbs of south Manchester. It was proposed that the tunnel would be served by four large ventilation shafts, to be built along the route.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abbit |first1=Beth |last2=Cox |first2=Charlotte |title=The four possible sites of massive HS2 ventilation shafts in south Manchester |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hs2-high-speed-rail-manchester-14787261 |access-date=13 July 2022 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314180517/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hs2-high-speed-rail-manchester-14787261 |archive-date=14 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Trains would have emerged from the tunnel at [[Ardwick]], where the line would have continued to its terminus at {{stnlnk|Manchester Piccadilly}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=HS2 between Davenport Green and Ardwick |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/local-community-webpages/hs2-between-davenport-green-and-ardwick/ |website=HS2 |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429165552/https://www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/local-community-webpages/hs2-between-davenport-green-and-ardwick/ |archive-date=29 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station would have accommodated HS2 and NPR high-speed trains.

===Phase 2b: West Midlands to Midland Main Line branch, eastern section===
East of Birmingham, the phase 1 line was intended to branch at the [[Coleshill, Warwickshire|Coleshill]] junction, progress approximately {{convert|32|mi|km}} northeast, roughly parallel to the [[M42 motorway]], and end at [[East Midlands Parkway station|East Midlands Parkway]] near Nottingham. The line would have branched onto the Midland Main Line with trains only progressing north from the branch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/68971/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-scheme-sustainability-summary.pdf |title=HS2 Phase Two Initial Preferred Scheme : Sustainability Summary, section 4.2.13 |author=Nick Giesler et al., for Environmental Resources Management (ERM) |publisher=High Speed Two (HS2) Limited |page=21 |access-date=5 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505201209/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/68971/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-scheme-sustainability-summary.pdf |archive-date=5 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</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 [[High Speed 1|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>

===Previously proposed phases===
There is one DfT proposal to build a {{convert|20|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} high-speed line from Leeds south to Clayton branching into the Midland Main Line. Whether this was to be a part of HS2 or NPR has not been determined.{{sfn|IRP North and Midlands|2021}}{{Failed verification|date=October 2023}}

====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 &#124; 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 railway station|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.co.uk/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 railway station|Liverpool Lime Street]] from Warrington on upgraded conventional rail track. Metro mayor Steve Rotheram, along with Greater Manchester's mayor [[Andy Burnham]], was 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, [[Confederation of British Industry|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.co.uk/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>

===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]].

=== Cancelled stations (Birmingham-to-Manchester) ===
Proposals for these station locations were announced on 28 January 2013. Following the cancellation of Phase 2 announced in October 2023, these stations are no longer in the scope of the HS2 project.<ref name="BBC News 0401023" />

====Crewe====
HS2 was planned to pass through [[Staffordshire]] and [[Cheshire]]. The line would have been tunnelled under the Crewe junction, bypassing the existing Crewe station.<ref>{{cite news |last=Millward |first=David |title=HS2 route: Manchester and Liverpool win while Sheffield loses out |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/9783576/HS2-route-Manchester-and-Liverpool-win-while-Sheffield-loses-out.html |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=6 January 2013 |access-date=27 January 2013 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108235514/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/9783576/HS2-route-Manchester-and-Liverpool-win-while-Sheffield-loses-out.html |archive-date=8 January 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The HS2 line would have been linked to the West Coast Main Line via a [[Flying junction|grade-separated junction]] just south of Crewe, enabling "conventional compatible" trains exiting the high-speed line to call at Crewe station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stoke-on-Trent 'ignored' under HS2 rail route plans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-21232583 |access-date=2 February 2013 |publisher=BBC News |date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202071756/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-21232583 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Route section HSM09 plan and profile sheet 2 of 2 – drawing number HS2-MSG-WCM-ZZ-DT-RT-60902 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69055/hs2-msg-wcm-zz-dt-rt-60902.pdf |work=HS2 phase two initial preferred route plan and profile maps |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=2 February 2013 |date=January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006203136/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69055/hs2-msg-wcm-zz-dt-rt-60902.pdf |archive-date= 6 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, the chairman of HS2 advocated a dedicated hub station in Crewe.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPDATE: HS2 in Crewe by 2027 – chairman backs Crewe hub station plan |url=http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/11081872.UPDATE__HS2_in_Crewe_by_2027___chairman_backs_Crewe_hub_station_plan/ |url-status=live |work=Crewe Guardian |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=29 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429222133/http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/11081872.UPDATE__HS2_in_Crewe_by_2027___chairman_backs_Crewe_hub_station_plan/ |archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> In November 2015, it was announced that the Crewe hub completion would be brought forward to 2027.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34958154 |title=HS2 Birmingham to Crewe link planned to open six years early |publisher=BBC News |date=30 November 2015 |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121010338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34958154 |archive-date=21 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2017, the government and Network Rail supported a proposal to build the hub station on the existing station site, with a junction onto the West Coast Main Line north of the station. This would have enabled through-trains to bypass the station via a tunnel under the station, progressing directly onto the West Coast Main Line.<ref name="fromcrewe"/> <!--Note that while Phase 2a will be extended to Crewe, there has been no decision take on whether there will be a hub station there by 2027.-->

====Manchester Airport====
{{main|Manchester Airport High Speed station}}
[[File:Manchester interchange station.png|thumb|The proposed [[Manchester Airport High Speed station]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Route section HSM28 plan and profile sheet 5 of 9 – drawing number HS2-MSG-MA0-ZZ-DR-RT-52805 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69079/hs2-msg-ma0-zz-dr-rt-52805.pdf |work=HS2 phase two initial preferred route plan and profile maps |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=2 February 2013 |date=January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006202716/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69079/hs2-msg-ma0-zz-dr-rt-52805.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

[[Manchester Airport High Speed station]] was a planned HS2 through-station serving [[Manchester Airport]]. It was recommended in 2013 by local authorities, during the consultation stage. Construction was dependent on part-funding by private investment from the [[Manchester Airports Group]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Council chiefs lobby ministers for TWO high speed rail stations |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/trafford-council-chiefs-lobby-ministers-1230363|newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=22 January 2013 |access-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518065740/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/trafford-council-chiefs-lobby-ministers-1230363 |archive-date=18 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Manchester Airport may be high-speed rail network hub |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/manchester-airport-may-be-high-speed-rail-network-856086|newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=13 March 2011 |access-date=11 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316215516/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/s/1410661_manchester_airport_may_be_highspeed_rail_network_hub |archive-date=16 March 2011}}</ref>

The proposed site was located on the northwestern side of the airport, to the west of the [[M56 motorway]], at junction 5, and approximately {{convert|1.5|mi|abbr=on}} northwest of the existing [[Manchester Airport railway station]]. A sub-surface station was planned, approximately {{convert|8.5|m|ftin}} below ground level, consisting of two central {{convert|415|m|ft|adj=on}} platforms, a pair of through-tracks for trains to pass through the station without stopping, a street-level passenger concourse, and a main entrance on the eastern side, facing the airport.<ref>{{cite web|title=High Speed Two Phase 2b Crewe to Manchester Route Engineering Report: 4.2 Manchester Airport High Speed Station |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629037/CS868_P15_Crewe_to_Manchester_Route_Engineering_Report_170714.pdf |publisher=Dft/High Speed Two (HS2) Limited|access-date=26 May 2018|page=53|date=July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526191339/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629037/CS868_P15_Crewe_to_Manchester_Route_Engineering_Report_170714.pdf|archive-date=26 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Proposals did not detail passenger interchange methods; various options were being considered to integrate the new station with existing transport networks, including extending the [[Airport Line (Manchester Metrolink)|Manchester Metrolink airport tram line]] to connect the HS2 station with the existing airport railway station.<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><ref>{{cite book|author=[[Department for Transport]] |title=High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain's Future – Phase Two, the Route to Leeds, Manchester and Beyond |date=2013 |publisher=The Stationery Office|page=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sOfRI8yd2-gC&q=Manchester%20Airport%20HS2%20station%20interchange&pg=PA38 |access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054142/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=sOfRI8yd2-gC&lpg=PA38&ots=bw1AjgZVef&dq=Manchester%20Airport%20HS2%20station%20interchange&pg=PA38|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=live |isbn=9780101850827}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hopes for 'western loop' tram line|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29842268|access-date=18 December 2017|publisher=BBC News|date=31 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218171210/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29842268|archive-date=18 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Charlotte|title=This is how Manchester Airport's HS2 station could look |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-airport-hs2-train-station-14424392|access-date=26 May 2018|work=Manchester Evening News|date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526094333/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-airport-hs2-train-station-14424392|archive-date=26 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

If the station had been built, it is estimated that the average journey time from London Euston to Manchester Airport would have been 59{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnett|first=George|title=How will HS2 change journey times to and from London?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/mar/17/hs2-change-journey-times-london|website=The Guardian|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218110527/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/mar/17/hs2-change-journey-times-london|archive-date=18 December 2017|date=17 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Manchester Piccadilly====
{{main|Manchester Piccadilly station|l1=Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station}}

A new Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station was planned to be built on a viaduct parallel to the north side of the existing station.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2022|title=Phase 2b Western Leg Information Paper F1: Manchester Piccadilly Station|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1048865/F1_Manchester_Piccadilly_Station_v1.pdf|access-date=28 January 2022|website=[[gov.uk]]|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128205233/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1048865/F1_Manchester_Piccadilly_Station_v1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The station was to have six platforms on three islands for both terminating High Speed 2 trains from London and Birmingham as well as [[Northern Powerhouse Rail]] trains to Liverpool, Warrington, Huddersfield, Leeds, and beyond. It was proposed to relocate the present [[Manchester Piccadilly station|Piccadilly]] [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]] stop is from ground-level, below the existing station platforms, to a new larger four-platform stop located underground below the high-speed station. Provision for a second ground-level Metrolink stop at the eastern end of the high-speed station—to service future Metrolink extensions—to be called Piccadilly Central, also formed part of the plans.

==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 railway station|Ashford International]] station in Kent, via [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]] airports.
* [[HighSpeed UK]], an alternative proposal for high-speed services from London to Manchester and Liverpool, but via [[Leicester]] and [[Sheffield]].


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Reflist|4|group="n"}}
{{reflist|group="note"}}
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
;Documents referenced from 'Notes' section

{{refbegin}}
==Sources==
* {{anchor|bah2007}} {{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/newline/carbonimpact.pdf|author=Booz Allen Hamilton|title=Estimated Carbon Impact of a New North South Line|publisher=Department for Transport|year=2007|format=PDF}}
{{Refbegin}}
*{{anchor|Atkins2009}} {{cite web|publisher=Department for Transport|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/hspeedlinestudysummaryreport.pdf|title=High Speed Line Study: Summary Report|author=Atkins|year=2009|accessdate=2010-03-13}}
* {{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 }}
* {{anchor|Dft2009a}} {{cite book|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/infrastructure/pdf/hs2.pdf|title=Britain’s Transport Infrastructure High Speed Two|author=Department for Transport|publisher=Department for Transport|format=pdf|ISBN=9781906581800|year=2009a|accessdate=2010-03-13}}
* {{anchor|Dft2010a}} {{cite book|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/commandpaper/pdf/cmdpap.pdf|title=High Speed Rail - Command Paper|author=Department for Transport|publisher=
* {{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}} }}
The Stationery Office|publisherlink=The Stationary Office|format=pdf|ISBN=9780101782722|year=2010a|accessdate=2010-03-13}}
* 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 }}
{{refend}}
* 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==
;Other references for article
*{{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}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official|http://www.hs2.org.uk/}}
* {{Official website}}
*[http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/ High Speed Rail London to the West Midlands and Beyond: A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited] 11 March 2010
* {{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}}
*[http://www.umapper.com/maps/view/id/58620/ Wiki map of proposed route as published 11 March 2010]
* {{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 }}
*[http://www.racfoundation.org/assets/rac_foundation/content/downloadables/high%20speed%20rail%20-%20preston%20-%20301009%20-%20report.pdf The Case for High Speed Rail:- A review of recent evidence] Published by the [[RAC Foundation]] October 2009
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8564154.stm High speed rail: In your back yard?] [[BBC News]] article with links to detailed scheme maps for the route


{{High Speed 2 articles}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{High-speed railway lines}}
{{Proposed rail infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom}}
{{Current rail infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom}}


[[Category:High Speed 2| ]]
[[Category:Department for Transport]]
[[Category:High-speed railway lines in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:High-speed railway lines in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Building projects]]
[[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 England]]
[[Category:Future transport projects in London]]
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in London]]
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2020s in rail transport]]
[[Category:2030s in rail transport]]

Latest revision as of 13:24, 25 December 2024

High Speed 2
The planned extent of HS2 as of October 2023
Overview
StatusUnder construction
Locale
Termini
Connecting linesWest Coast Main Line
Stations4
Websitewww.hs2.org.uk Edit this at Wikidata
Service
TypeHigh-speed railway
SystemNational Rail
History
Commenced2017
Planned opening2029 to 2033[1]
Technical
Line length230 km (140 mi)[2]
Number of tracksDouble track
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Loading gaugeUIC GC
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line
Operating speed360 km/h (225 mph) maximum, 330 km/h (205 mph) routinely[1]

High Speed 2 (HS2) is a high-speed railway which has been under construction in England since 2017. The line's planned route is between Handsacre, in southern Staffordshire, and London, with a spur to Birmingham. HS2 is to be Britain's second purpose-built high-speed railway after High Speed 1, which connects London to the Channel Tunnel. 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 is planned to be completed by 2033.

The new track is being built between London Euston and Handsacre, near Lichfield in southern Staffordshire, where a junction connects HS2 to the north-south West Coast Main Line. Stations are planned for Old Oak Common in northwest London, Birmingham Interchange, near Solihull, and Birmingham city centre. The trains are being designed to reach a maximum speed of 360 km/h (220 mph) when operating on HS2 track, dropping to 201 km/h (125 mph) on conventional track.

The length of the planned new line 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 supporters and opponents. Supporters of HS2 believe that the additional capacity provided will accommodate passenger numbers rising to pre-COVID-19 levels while driving a further modal shift to rail. Opponents believe that the project is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable.

History

[edit]
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 67-mile-long (108 km) Channel Tunnel Rail Link between London and the Channel Tunnel. In 2009, the Department for Transport (DfT) under the Labour government 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).[3]

In December 2010, following a review by the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition,[4] a route was proposed, subject to public consultation,[5][6] 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,[7] with alterations designed to minimise the visual, noise, and other environmental impacts of the line.[5]

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 bills.[8][9] 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.[10] A Phase 2a 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.[11] Phase 2a received royal assent in February 2021.[12] The High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill for Phase 2b was paused under the Sunak ministry.[13]

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.[14] Network Rail considers that constructing a new high-speed railway will be more cost-effective and less disruptive than upgrading the existing conventional rail network.[15] 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.[1] In December 2024 the DfT stated there will be no WCML extensions from HS2 until the current project is completed.[16]

Oakervee Review

[edit]

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.[17][18] The review was published by the DfT on 11 February 2020, alongside a statement from the Prime Minister confirming that HS2 would go ahead in full, with reservations.[19][20] Oakervee's conclusions were that the original rationale for High Speed 2—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 and would concentrate on reducing costs and over-specification.[21]

On 15 April 2020, formal approval was given to construction companies to start work on the project.[22]

In July 2023 the Infrastructure Projects Authority annual report gave Phases 1 and 2A project a "red" rating, 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, in a January 2024 report, in relation to the revised planned route, stated that:

"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".[23]

This report was clarified to mean following the cancellation of Phase 2.[24]

Integrated Rail Plan

[edit]

On 18 November 2021, the government's delayed Integrated Rail Plan was published.[25] The plan 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 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 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 will 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.[26][27] Without this link, trains to Scotland would join the existing West Coast Main Line further south at Crewe, instead of south of Wigan. The Department of 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. The Department of Transport will publish its response subject to the funding allocated in the integrated Rail Plan.[28][29]

Phase 2

[edit]

Cancellation of Phase 2, October 2023

[edit]

In October 2023, 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.[30] The construction of Euston station would depend on private sector funding: if funding were to be secured for the station access tunnel, construction would be the responsibility of HS2 Ltd.[31][32] 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.[33][34]

Sunak said the £36 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) will lie.[35] Around 30 per cent of the cost savings would be spent on railway projects.[36] 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.[37]

In January 2024, opposition leader Keir Starmer said it would not be possible for any future Labour government to reinstate Phase 2, since contracts would have been cancelled.[38] This was confirmed in April 2024 by Louise Haigh, the shadow transport minister.[39]

Ongoing review in 2024 for revival to Manchester

[edit]

In January 2024, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, held talks to "revive the high speed rail project with private investment" after meeting private investors, Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport), and Huw Merriman (Minister of State for Rail and HS2).[40] Harper said that he was considering the plans with an "open mind".[41] Burnham told the Transport Select Committee of the House of Commons that the gist of the plans were to revive the part of Phase 2 between Handsacre and High Legh in Cheshire; trains would then proceed on Northern Powerhouse Rail to Manchester Piccadilly.[40][42] Burnham said the cost could be "considerably less" than earlier plans if the maximum speed of trains was reduced.[43] The Phase 2b Bill remains in the House of Commons but the Committee paused its work after the October 2023 announcement.[13]

A provisional report commissioned by the mayors concluded in March 2024 that the best option would be a new line between Handsacre and Manchester Airport, to meet Northern Powerhouse Rail. The cost could be covered by a combination of government funding and private finance.[44][45][46]

Route

[edit]

London to Handsacre and Birmingham

[edit]
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.[47] There will also be new stations at Old Oak Common, in northwest London, and Birmingham Interchange, near Solihull.[48] 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.[49] The high speed track, including the branch to Birmingham, is 225 kilometres (140 mi) long.[50][51][1] 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 minutes and Birmingham Interchange in 38 minutes. Trains will journey to other destinations on a mix of HS2 and conventional track. Journeys to Liverpool will take 1 hour 50 minutes, to Glasgow 4 hours, and to Manchester 1 hour 40 minutes.[needs update] Trains will progress on HS2 track to Handsacre, then use the West Coast Main Line.[52][53]

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, 8-mile (13 km) tunnel, emerging at its northwestern portal.[54] The line crosses the Colne Valley Regional Park on the Colne Valley Viaduct and then enters a 9.8-mile (15.8 km) 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.[55] 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 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 to enter the West Midlands.

Birmingham Interchange Station will be on the outskirts of Solihull, close to the strategic road network, including the M42, M6, M6 toll, and 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, 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 to Derby line through Castle Bromwich, and through a tunnel past Bromford.[citation needed]

Branches to other lines

[edit]

West Coast Main Line

[edit]

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.[56][57][58]

Stations

[edit]

Central London

[edit]
Euston Terminus and the nearby terminus of High Speed 1 at St Pancras

High Speed 2 is to share a southern terminus with the West Coast Main Line at London Euston, which is to be remodelled to integrate the new HS2 platforms and concourse with the current conventional rail station. There will be an improved connection to the adjacent Euston Square tube station, which serves the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.[59] The government announced that this aspect of the project would only commence if the private sector were to agree funding.[60]

West London

[edit]
Planned transport links of Old Oak Common railway station

Old Oak Common station, between Paddington and 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, South West England, and South Wales.[61] Old Oak Common railway station will also be connected, via out of station interchanges, with London Overground stations at Old Oak Common Lane on the North London line and Hythe Road on the West London line.[62][63]

Birmingham Airport

[edit]
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, and A452 highways. A people mover with a capacity of over 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction will connect the station to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport, and the existing Birmingham International railway station.[64][65] 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.[66]

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, as HS2 will reduce travel times from London to Birmingham Airport to under 40 minutes.[67]

Birmingham city centre

[edit]
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.[68] A station of the same name existed on the Curzon Street site between 1838 and 1966; the surviving Grade I listed station building will be retained and renovated.[69]

The site is immediately adjacent to Moor Street station, and approximately 400 metres (0.25 mi) northeast of New Street station, which is separated from Curzon and Moor streets by the 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).[70][71][72] In September 2018, one of Birmingham's oldest pubs, the Fox and Grapes, was demolished to make way for the new developments.[73] The West Midlands Metro will be extended to serve the station.[74]

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.[75][76] 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 2, a museum of contemporary art.[77]

Clearing the site for construction commenced in December 2018.[78][79] Grimshaw Architects received planning permission for three applications in April 2020. The new station is expected to have a zero-carbon rating and over 2,800 square metres (30,000 sq ft) of solar panels.[69]

Interchanges with other lines

[edit]

London Old Oak Common

[edit]

The plan makes provision for HS2 service passenger interchanges to the Elizabeth Line and Great Western Line.[80]

London Euston

[edit]

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]

Birmingham Curzon Street

[edit]

The West Midlands Metro, a tram service, is to serve Curzon Street, providing access to onward services from Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.[citation needed]

Tunnelling

[edit]

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 will cover the area between Old Oak Common and the Colne Valley Viaduct in West Ruislip. The Chiltern tunnel will be the longest tunnel on the route and will travel 10 miles (16 km) 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.

Euston tunnel

[edit]

In April 2023, HS2 announced that work on the Euston tunnels linking Old Oak Common to Euston was being deferred and that tunnel-boring had been rescheduled to start in summer 2025.[81][82] In October 2023, the Government announced that any Euston terminus would not be government-funded.[60] However, in May 2024, the Government was reportedly prepared to pay the upfront tunnelling cost of around £1bn to avoid further costly delays to the project. It would then recoup costs from the wider development of the Euston station site.[83]

Northolt tunnel

[edit]

The Northolt tunnels are being constructed with four TBMs; two tunnelling West to East and two tunnelling East to West, with the plan to meet 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 the all the tunnels planned to be finished by the end of 2025.[84][85] Sushila broke through in December 2024.[86]

Chiltern tunnel

[edit]

The 10-mile (16 km) Chiltern tunnels was scheduled to take three years to dig, using two 2,000-tonne (2,000-long-ton; 2,200-short-ton) tunnel boring machines (TBM).[87] In July 2020, work was completed on a 17-metre (56 ft)-high headwall at the southern portal of the twin-bore tunnel.[88][89] 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.[90] Tunnelling began in May 2021, with TBM Florence, moving at a speed of up to 15 m (49 ft) per day.[89] The second TBM, Cecilia, was launched in July 2021.[91] Florence, the first of two TBMs, completed tunnelling and broke through in late February 2024,[92] and in March 2024, the second TBM, Cecilia, completed tunnelling.[93]

Long Itchington Wood tunnel

[edit]

In December 2021, TBM Dorothy was launched, tunnelling 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.[94][95] Dorothy started the second bore in November 2022, and finished it in March 2023.[96][97]

Bromford tunnel

[edit]

The Bromford tunnels from Water Orton in North Warwickshire to Birmingham are being bored by TBMs Mary Ann and Elizabeth. Mary Ann started tunnelling in June 2023 and will finish in 2024, while Elizabeth started in March 2024 and will finish in Autumn 2025.[98]

Main construction

[edit]
HS2 construction near Leamington Spa in August 2021

The main stages of construction officially began on 4 September 2020,[99] following previous delays. The civil engineering aspect of the construction of Phase 1 is worth roughly £6.6 billion, with preparation including over 8,000 boreholes for ground investigation.[100]

Euston station in London

[edit]

In October 2018, demolition began on the former 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 8-mile (13 km) tunnels to West Ruislip.[101][102] 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.[103] In June 2020, workers finished the demolition of the western ramp and canopy of the station. This part of the station had housed the parcels depot, which fell into disuse after parcel traffic shifted to being serviced by road.[104][105]

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.[106]

Colne Valley Viaduct

[edit]

The Colne Valley Viaduct is a 2.1-mile (3.4 km)-long bridge to carry the line over the Colne Valley Regional Park in Hillingdon, West London.[107] The viaduct is situated between the Northolt and Chiltern tunnels. The bridge-building machine was launched in May 2022, signalling the start of construction.[108] The final deck segment was put into place in September 2024.[109] The viaduct is expected to be fully complete in May 2025.

Other sites

[edit]

Construction of Old Oak Common station began in June 2021.[110]

Operation

[edit]

Earlier government proposals were that by 2033 HS2 would provide up to 18 trains an hour to and from London.[111] 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.[112]

Previously proposed service patterns

[edit]

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.

London to Birmingham
Route tph Calling at Train
length
London EustonBirmingham Curzon Street 3 Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange 400 m
London to the North West and Scotland
Route tph Calling at Train
length
London EustonManchester Piccadilly 3 Old Oak Common, Wilmslow (1tph), Stockport 200 m
London EustonMacclesfield 1 Old Oak Common, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent
Would only operate if phase 2a was open.
200 m
London Euston – Liverpool Lime Street 1 Old Oak Common, Stafford, Runcorn
Would call at Crewe in lieu of Stafford if phase 2a was open.
200 m
1 Old Oak Common, Crewe, Runcorn
Would operate combined with the Lancaster train (see below) between London and Crewe if phase 2a was open.
200 m
London Euston – Lancaster 1 Old Oak Common, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston
Would operate combined with the Liverpool train (see above) between London and Crewe if phase 2a was open.
200 m
London Euston – Glasgow Central 1 Old Oak Common, Preston, Carlisle 200 m
A map of proposed HS2 services with fully open Phase 2

Operator

[edit]

The ongoing servicing and maintenance of High Speed 2 is included within the West Coast Partnership 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 will be responsible for maintaining all aspects of the service, including ticketing, trains, and the maintenance of the infrastructure.[113][114] The initial franchise contract is for the first three-to-five years of HS2's operation.[115][116]

Fares

[edit]

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.[117] 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."[118]

Capacity

[edit]
Peak hour capacity at Euston[119]
Type Current capacity Capacity post‑HS2
Slow commuter 3,900 6,500
Fast commuter 1,600 6,800
Intercity 5,800 1,800
High-speed 0 19,800
Total 11,300 34,900

HS2 will carry up to 26,000 people per hour,[8] with anticipated annual passenger numbers of 85 million.[120] The line will be used intensively, with up to 17 trains per hour travelling to and from Euston. As all trains will 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, East Coast Main Line, and Midland Main Line, allowing for more slow freight trains and local, regional, and commuter services.[121] 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".[122]

Infrastructure

[edit]

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 European Union technical standards for interoperability for high-speed rail.[123] HS2 is being built with a UIC GC loading gauge (also assumed for passenger capacity estimations)[124] with a maximum design speed of 400 km/h (250 mph).[125] Initially, trains would reach a maximum speed of 360 km/h (225 mph).[126]

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 200 km/h (125 mph). 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.[127]

Electrification at 25 kV 50 Hz AC will be provided by overhead lines, designed to SNCF Reseau's V360 standard, on licence to contractors.[128]

The line will use pre-cast slab track on most open sections, with the Slab Track Austria system supplied by PORR, except in tunnels and stations where cast in situ track will be used.[127][129]

At first, platform height was to be 760 millimetres (2 ft 6 in), which is one of the European standard heights;[130] however, new HS2 stations will use a platform height of 1,115 millimetres (3 ft 7.9 in) to improve accessibility and allow for step-free, level access.[131] Trains continuing on to the conventional rail network will encounter platforms at the standard UK height of 915 millimetres (3 ft 0 in) with some variation.[132]

Rolling stock

[edit]
Proposed design of HS2 rolling stock by Hitachi and Alstom joint venture

In December 2021, DfT and HS2 announced that the rolling-stock contract had been awarded to the Hitachi–Alstom joint venture.[133] The trains will be based on an evolution of the Zefiro V300 platform.[134] The first train is expected to be delivered around 2027.[135] Vehicle bodies will be welded and fitted out at the Hitachi facility in Newton Aycliffe, bogies 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.[136]

Procurement timeline

[edit]

The 2010 DfT government command-paper outlined some 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.[137]

Trains would have a maximum speed of at least 360 km/h (225 mph) and a length of 200 metres (660 ft); two units could be joined for a 400-metre (1,300 ft) train.[126]

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.[126]

Alstom, one of the bidders for the contract to build the trains, proposed in October 2016 that HS2 "tilting trains" could run on HS2 and conventional tracks, to increase overall speeds when operating on conventional tracks.[138][139]

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 200-metre (656 ft) long trains and £5.00 per km for 260-metre (853 ft) long trains. On the conventional network, the energy costs are £2.00 per km and £2.60 per km, respectively.[140]

The first batch of rolling stock for HS2 was specified in the Train Technical Specification issued with the Invitation To Tender (ITT), which was initially published in July 2018, and revised in March 2019, following clarification questions from tenderers.[141] Bidding for the contract to design, build, and maintain the trains was opened in 2017 and was originally expected to be awarded in 2019. The first batch includes 54 trainsets with a maximum speed of at least 360 km/h (225 mph) and with the capability to operate on both HS2 and existing infrastructure.[142]

The following suppliers were shortlisted to tender following the initial 5 June 2019 submission:[143]

In September 2021, the HS2 board endorsed the decision to award the rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance contracts.[147] In November 2021, it was reported that the decision remained with the DfT for approval.[148]

Maintenance depots

[edit]

A rolling-stock depot will be built in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, covering all of Phase 1 and Phase 2a.[149] In July 2018, the then Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, announced that the rolling stock depot for the eastern leg of Phase 2b would be at Gateway 45 near to the M1 motorway in Leeds.[150][151] An additional depot in Annandale, north of Gretna Green and south of Kirkpatrick Fleming, was announced in 2020.[152]

The infrastructure maintenance depot (IMD) for Phase 1 will be constructed roughly halfway along the route, north of Aylesbury, between Steeple Claydon and Calvert in Buckinghamshire. This site is adjacent to the intersection of HS2 and the East West Rail route.[153] In the working draft environmental statement for Phase 2b, the IMD on the eastern leg is proposed for near Staveley, Derbyshire, on a former chemical works site, while Phase 2b, the western leg, will have one near Stone, Staffordshire.[154]

Journey times

[edit]

The DfT's latest revised estimates of journey times for some major destinations have been set out in various government documents, including the business cases for each phase and other related documents.

HS2 services from London

[edit]

Since the cancellation of phase 2 of HS2, services and journey times will only be determined shortly before completion of the project. However, times below are based on previous announcements, so can only be approximate.[155]

London to/from Fastest journey time before HS2

(hrs:min)

Estimated time after HS2

(hrs:min)

Estimated time reduction
Birmingham 1:16 0:52 0:24
Liverpool 2:03 1:50 0:13[156]
Manchester 2:08 1:40 0:28
Glasgow 4:30 4:00 0:30[156]
Sources:[157][158][159][160][161]

Funding

[edit]

The DfT initially estimated the cost of the first 190-kilometre (120 mi) section, from London to Birmingham, at between £15.8 and £17.4 billion,[162] and the entire Y-shaped 540-kilometre (335 mi) network at between £30.9 and £36 billion,[163][162] not including the Manchester Airport station which would be locally funded.[164] In June 2013, the projected cost (in 2011 prices) rose by £10 billion, to £42.6 billion, with an extra £7.5 billion budgeted for rolling stock, for a total of £50.1 billion.[165] 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.[166] In 2014, the most commonly cited cost applied to the project was £56.6 billion, which corresponds to the June 2013 funding package, as adjusted for inflation by the House of Lords' Economic Affairs Committee in 2015.[167] Over sixty years, the line was estimated to provide £92.2 billion of net benefits and £43.6 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.[168]

Cost increases have led to reductions in the planned track; for instance, the link between HS1 and HS2 was later dropped on cost grounds.[169] In April 2016, Sir Jeremy Heywood, a top UK civil servant, was reviewing the HS2 project to trim costs and gauge whether the project could be kept within budget.[170][171] 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.[172] By 2019, Oakervee estimated that the projected cost, in 2019 prices, had increased from £80.7 billion to £87.7 billion—the budget in 2019 prices was at the time of the Oakervee Review only £62.4 billion—and the benefit–cost ratio had dropped to between 1.3 and 1.5.[19] 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 billion.[173] As of 2020, the budget envelope set out by the DfT is £98 billion.[174] HS2 Ltd tapped into a £4.3 billion contingency fund to meet £1.7 billion of extra costs resulting from delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[175] The benefit cost ratio for the whole project was last officially estimated at 1.1 for the whole project in July 2022.[176][177]

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 £6 billion to fund a link from the city to the HS2 backbone 20 miles (32 km) away.[178] HS2 received funding from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility.[179]

Wales' classification

[edit]

HS2's classification as an "England and Wales" project had been criticised by MPs,[180] Plaid Cymru,[181] and past Welsh Government ministers in Wales, 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 economic impact on Wales", as well as on Bristol in England.

Rail infrastructure is not devolved to Wales, therefore devolved authorities are entitled to less of the Barnett Formula, when funding is increased to the 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 billion in 2020.[182] By February 2020, the Welsh government received £755 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.[183] Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales, stated that Network Rail would invest £1.5 billion in Wales' railways between 2019 and 2024.[184]

Following the cancelling of Phase 2, Wales' estimated claim was reduced to £3.9 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 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.[185]

In 2020, trains between north Wales and London take roughly three hours and forty-five minutes, with HS2 set to decrease the travel time between Crewe and London by thirty 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, where any improvements have failed to receive funding.[184]

The DfT study estimated that the South Wales economy could lose up to £200 million per year, due to the 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 million from HS2, although with a potential £150 million negative economic impact to Wales overall. First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford described in a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that 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, as it is in Scotland.[186]

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.[187][186]

Perspectives

[edit]

Government rationale

[edit]

A 2008 paper, "Delivering a Sustainable Transport System", identified fourteen strategic national transport corridors in England, and described the London – West Midlands – 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".[188][189] The paper noted that railway passenger numbers had been growing significantly in recent years—doubling from 1995 to 2015[190]—and that the Rugby – Euston section was expected to have insufficient capacity sometime around 2025.[191] This is despite the 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.[192]

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.[193] It says the new line "would improve rail services from London to cities in the North of England and Scotland,[194] and that the chosen route to the west of London will improve passenger transport links to Heathrow Airport".[195][verify] 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.[196]

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.[197] 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.[15]

Support

[edit]

HS2 is officially supported by the Labour Party, Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, and since September 2024 the Green Party.[198] 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.[199][200]

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.[201] 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.[15]

Opposition

[edit]

Until September 2024, The Green Party policy was that the party would scrap HS2 and spend the money saved on local transport links.[198] Reform UK and the UK Independence Party also oppose the scheme.[202][203] The 2017 act allowed HS2 Ltd. the power to acquire land. In a document that ran to 50,000 pages it gave local councils the power to petition for design changes and to hold up work if they were unhappy. [204]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.[205] 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.[204] Before he became prime minister, Boris Johnson was personally against HS2.[198] Other former and current Conservative MPs against HS2 include Cheryl Gillan and Liam Fox.[206][207]

Stop HS2 was set up in 2010 to co-ordinate local opposition and campaign on the national level against HS2.[208] In June 2020, it organised a "Rebel Trail" with Extinction Rebellion, which was a protest march of 125 miles (201 km) from Birmingham to London, stopping at camps in Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, and London.[209] Groups such as the Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust oppose the project, based on concerns about destruction of local biodiversity.[210]

Opposition to construction

[edit]

In 2017, a protest camp was established at Harvil Road in the Colne Valley Regional Park by environmental activists 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 council, which had not been prepared to sell the land otherwise.[211] 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.[212]

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.[213] HS2 and Hillingdon council both moved to get separate injunctions allowing them to remove the squatters.[214] In March 2020, another camp was set up, at Jones' Hill Wood in Buckinghamshire. In October 2020, activists, including "Swampy", were evicted from treehouses there.[215]

In January 2021, it was revealed that protesters had 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".[216][217] In June 2021, HS2 stated that protests had so far cost the company £75 million.[218]

In the spring of 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 the county of Staffordshire.

There have been incidents of violence directed towards HS2 workers.[219][220]

Environmental and community impact

[edit]

The impact of HS2 has received particular attention in the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where the line passes through the Misbourne Valley.[221][222] In January 2011, the government announced that two million trees would be planted along sections of the route to mitigate the visual impact.[223] The route was changed so as to tunnel underneath the southern end of the Chilterns, with the line emerging northwest of Amersham.[224] The proposals include a re-alignment of more than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) of the River Tame, and construction of a 0.63 km (0.39 mi) viaduct and a cutting[225] through ancient woodland at a nature reserve at Park Hall near Birmingham.[226] 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, Springwatch presenter and conservationist Chris Packham filed for a 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".[227] Packham was subsequently given leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal, with Lord Justice Lewison ruling that there was "considerable public interest".[228][229] On 31 July 2020, Packham lost his case in the Court of Appeal.[230]

Property demolition, land take and compensation

[edit]

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.[231] 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.[232] These included a 17th-century farm in Uxbridge once visited by Queen Elizabeth I in 1602,[233] and the Eagle and Tun pub, which was the set for the UB40 music video for Red Red Wine.[234][235] In Birmingham, the Curzon Gate student residence and the Fox and Grapes, a derelict pub, were demolished;[236] Birmingham City University requested £30 million in compensation after the plans were announced.[75] 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.[237]

Ancient woodland impact

[edit]

The Woodland Trust states that 108 ancient woodlands will be damaged due to HS2, 33 sites of Special Scientific Interest will be affected, and 21 designated nature reserves will be destroyed.[210][238] In England, the term "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.[239][240] 52,000 such sites exist.[112] According to the Trust, 56 hectares (0.6 km2) are threatened with total loss from the construction of phases 1 and 2.[241] 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.[242] To mitigate the loss, HS2 Ltd says that seven million trees and shrubs will be planted during Phase 1, creating 900 hectares (9 km2) of new woods. A further 33 square kilometres (13 sq mi) of natural habitats are also planned.[243] 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.[244]

Carbon dioxide emissions

[edit]

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.[245] 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.[246]

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.[247] The 2007 government white paper "Delivering a Sustainable Railway" stated that trains that travel at a speed of 350 km/h (220 mph) used 90% more energy than at 200 km/h (125 mph),[248] which would result in carbon emissions for a London to Edinburgh journey of approximately 14 kilograms (31 lb) per passenger for high-speed rail compared to 7 kilograms (15 lb) per passenger for conventional rail. Air travel emits 26 kilograms (57 lb) 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.[248]

The "High-Speed Rail Command Paper", published in March 2010, stated that the project was likely to be roughly carbon neutral.[249] 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.[9] 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.[250][251]

The Phase 1 environmental statement estimates that 5.8–6.2 million 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 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions over sixty years of operation. The carbon dioxide emissions per passenger-kilometre in 2030 are estimated to be 8 grams for high-speed rail, as opposed to 22 grams for conventional intercity rail,[note 1] 67 grams for private car transport, and 170 grams for domestic aviation.[252]

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.[112]

Noise

[edit]

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 300 metres (330 yards) of the preferred route have the potential to experience significant noise impacts.[231] The government has stated that trees planted to create a visual barrier will reduce noise pollution.[223]

Public consultations

[edit]

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.[253] It confirmed that the consultations would be conducted in line with the terms of the Aarhus Convention.[254] 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.[255] Jeremy Wright, 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 months to respond to his constituents.[256]

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.[257] Consultations with those affected were set up over late 2012 and January 2013, to allow homeowners to express their concerns within their local community.[258]

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.[259] 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.[260][258]

Political impact

[edit]

The revision of the route through South Yorkshire, which replaced the original plans for a station at 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, Doncaster, and Rotherham's preference for the Meadowhall option—caused Doncaster and Barnsley councils to seek an all-Yorkshire devolution deal instead.[261][262]

Archaeological discoveries

[edit]
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.[263]

Early discoveries during construction were two Victorian-era glass jar time capsules found during the demolition of the derelict National Temperance Hospital in Camden, dating from 1879 and 1884. The capsules contained newspapers, the hospital's rules, pro-temperance movement material, and official records.[264][265]

The "Hillingdon Hoard" of more than 300 late Iron Age potins was discovered in by archaeologists working on the railway project in Hillingdon, West London.[266] 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.[267]

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, which was in use between 1790 and 1853 and lies on the site of the new station.[268] Many of the skeletons were identifiable by surviving lead coffin plates, including the long-lost remains of explorer Captain Matthew Flinders,[269] 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.[270] 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,[271] as well as evidence of body snatching. Excavations in Birmingham also uncovered the world's oldest railway roundhouse.[272][235]

In July 2020, archaeological teams announced a number of discoveries near Wendover, 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 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 65 metres (213 ft) 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.[273][274]

In Coleshill, Warwickshire, the remains of large manor and ornamental gardens, laid out by Robert Digby in the 16th century, were excavated.[275]

In September 2021, archaeologists from LP-Archaeology, led by Rachel Wood, have 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 parish church structure, which dates back to 1080, fell into ruin after 1866, when a new church was built elsewhere in the area.[276][277] 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 ritual protective marks, or as an early sundial.[277] 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 church. As part of excavations, approximately 3,000 bodies were moved to a new burial site. Evidence of a settlement from the Roman period was also discovered nearby.[278][279][276]

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 South Northamptonshire, close to River Cherwell.[263][280] While the existence of an archaeological site in the region had been previously known, the excavations showed an unexpectedly significant site.[280] 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.[263] The population grew, from about 30 roundhouses during the Iron Age, into a significant Roman settlement with a population in the hundreds.[280] Discoveries included a particularly large Roman road; more than 300 Roman coins; and jewelry, glass vessels, and decorative pottery (including samian pottery imported from Gaul), as well as signs of cosmetics. Roman-era workshops and kilns were discovered, along with at least four wells.[263][280] A pair of shackles was also unearthed.[280] Taken together, the evidence was indicative of a prosperous trading site.[263][280]

Archaeological legacy

[edit]

HS2 Phase One represents the largest single programme of historic environment work undertaken in the UK[281] and has generated a vast amount of digital archaeological data. The digital data, including BIM and GIS data,[282] 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.[283]

Environmental mitigation

[edit]

A scheme has been announced to use the chalk excavated from the Chiltern tunnel to rewild a section of the Colne Valley Western Slopes. The 127 ha (310-acre) scheme will take its inspiration from the Knepp wilding, and will stretch along the line from the viaduct at Denham Country Park to the Chiltern tunnel's southern portal.[284]

Cancelled phases

[edit]
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;[285][286]
  • Phase 2b west, Crewe to the West Coast Main Line near Wigan with a branch to Manchester;[287]
  • Phase 2b east, a branch from the West Midlands to the East Coast Main Line near York with a branch to Leeds.[288][289]

Phase 2b east was truncated in November 2021, with the branch expected to end at East Midlands Parkway railway station, south of Nottingham.[289] In June 2022, the link to the WCML at Golborne, a part of phase 2b west, was cancelled.[290] In October 2023, phase 2a and the remainder of phase 2b were cancelled, leaving phase 1 the only extant element of the project.[291]

Phase 2a: West Midlands to Crewe

[edit]

Phase 2a would have extended the line northwest to the Crewe Hub from the northern extremity of Phase 1, north of Lichfield. At Lichfield, HS2 would also have connected to the West Coast Main Line.[citation needed] Phase 2a was approved by the House of Commons in July 2019,[292] and received Royal Assent on 11 February 2021.[293]

Crewe station looking NE, showing the six converging conventional railway lines in August 2005

The Crewe Hub would have been an important addition to the HS2 network, giving additional connectivity to existing lines radiating from the Crewe junction.[294] The components were:

  • An upgraded station at Crewe, to cope with high-speed trains.
  • A tunnel under the station to allow HS2 trains to bypass the station while remaining on high-speed tracks.
  • Branches onto the West Coast Main Line immediately to the south and north of the station, to allow HS2 trains to enter the station.[295]

Phase 2b: Crewe to Wigan & Manchester, western section

[edit]

HS2 track would have continued north from Crewe. As the line passed through Cheshire at Millington, it would have branched to Manchester using a triangular junction. At this junction, the line would also have branched to Warrington on Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) track.[citation needed] The Manchester branch was intended to veer east and proceed through a station at Manchester Airport, with the line then entering a 10-mile (16 km) tunnel under the suburbs of south Manchester. It was proposed that the tunnel would be served by four large ventilation shafts, to be built along the route.[296] Trains would have emerged from the tunnel at Ardwick, where the line would have continued to its terminus at Manchester Piccadilly.[297] Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station would have accommodated HS2 and NPR high-speed trains.

Phase 2b: West Midlands to Midland Main Line branch, eastern section

[edit]

East of Birmingham, the phase 1 line was intended to branch at the Coleshill junction, progress approximately 32 miles (51 km) northeast, roughly parallel to the M42 motorway, and end at East Midlands Parkway near Nottingham. The line would have branched onto the Midland Main Line with trains only progressing north from the branch.[298]

[edit]
The abandoned HS1–HS2 link across Camden (proposed in 2010)

Early proposals for HS2 outlined the construction of a two-kilometre-long (1.2 mi) 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.[299][300][301] 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.[302][303] 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.[303]

Various alternative schemes have been proposed for an HS2–HS1 link, including a tunnel under Camden,[304] as well as the rejected HS4Air scheme.[305]

Previously proposed phases

[edit]

There is one DfT proposal to build a 20-mile-long (32 km) high-speed line from Leeds south to Clayton branching into the Midland Main Line. Whether this was to be a part of HS2 or NPR has not been determined.[25][failed verification]

Liverpool

[edit]

No direct HS2 track access was planned for the Liverpool City Region, with the nearest HS2 track passing 16 miles (26 km) from Liverpool city centre. In February 2016, the Liverpool City Council offered £2 billion towards funding a direct HS2 line into the city centre.[178]

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.[306][307][308]

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 Fiddlers Ferry freight line, from Ditton junction in Halebank to a new station at Warrington Bank Quay Low-Level, which would have been shared with Northern Powerhouse Rail trains, then onto high-speed track from Warrington to London.[309] 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, was critical of the Integrated Rail Plan.[310]

Scotland

[edit]

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".[311]

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.[312]

In November 2012, the Scottish Government announced plans to build a 74 km (46 mi) high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The proposed link would have reduced journey times between the two cities to under 30 minutes and was planned to open by 2024, eventually connecting to the high-speed network being developed in England.[313] The plan was cancelled in 2016.[314] 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.[315]

Bristol and Cardiff

[edit]

The DfT conducted a study on towns and cities that would lose economically from HS2, highlighting Bristol and Cardiff.[316][184][317][318] 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.[319]

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.[320] There were also proposals for a new high-speed rail project in South Wales, beyond just Cardiff, to connect with the HS2 network.[321]

Branches to other lines

[edit]

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:[322]

West Coast Main Line[322]

Midland Main Line

Northern Powerhouse Rail

Cancelled stations (Birmingham-to-Manchester)

[edit]

Proposals for these station locations were announced on 28 January 2013. Following the cancellation of Phase 2 announced in October 2023, these stations are no longer in the scope of the HS2 project.[291]

Crewe

[edit]

HS2 was planned to pass through Staffordshire and Cheshire. The line would have been tunnelled under the Crewe junction, bypassing the existing Crewe station.[323] The HS2 line would have been linked to the West Coast Main Line via a grade-separated junction just south of Crewe, enabling "conventional compatible" trains exiting the high-speed line to call at Crewe station.[324][325] In 2014, the chairman of HS2 advocated a dedicated hub station in Crewe.[326] In November 2015, it was announced that the Crewe hub completion would be brought forward to 2027.[327] In November 2017, the government and Network Rail supported a proposal to build the hub station on the existing station site, with a junction onto the West Coast Main Line north of the station. This would have enabled through-trains to bypass the station via a tunnel under the station, progressing directly onto the West Coast Main Line.[295]

Manchester Airport

[edit]
The proposed Manchester Airport High Speed station[328]

Manchester Airport High Speed station was a planned HS2 through-station serving Manchester Airport. It was recommended in 2013 by local authorities, during the consultation stage. Construction was dependent on part-funding by private investment from the Manchester Airports Group.[329][330]

The proposed site was located on the northwestern side of the airport, to the west of the M56 motorway, at junction 5, and approximately 1.5 mi (2.4 km) northwest of the existing Manchester Airport railway station. A sub-surface station was planned, approximately 8.5 metres (27 ft 11 in) below ground level, consisting of two central 415-metre (1,362 ft) platforms, a pair of through-tracks for trains to pass through the station without stopping, a street-level passenger concourse, and a main entrance on the eastern side, facing the airport.[331]

Proposals did not detail passenger interchange methods; various options were being considered to integrate the new station with existing transport networks, including extending the Manchester Metrolink airport tram line to connect the HS2 station with the existing airport railway station.[164][332][333][334]

If the station had been built, it is estimated that the average journey time from London Euston to Manchester Airport would have been 59 minutes.[335]

Manchester Piccadilly

[edit]

A new Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station was planned to be built on a viaduct parallel to the north side of the existing station.[336] The station was to have six platforms on three islands for both terminating High Speed 2 trains from London and Birmingham as well as Northern Powerhouse Rail trains to Liverpool, Warrington, Huddersfield, Leeds, and beyond. It was proposed to relocate the present Piccadilly Metrolink stop is from ground-level, below the existing station platforms, to a new larger four-platform stop located underground below the high-speed station. Provision for a second ground-level Metrolink stop at the eastern end of the high-speed station—to service future Metrolink extensions—to be called Piccadilly Central, also formed part of the plans.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ High Speed 2's estimates for intercity rail emissions assume a mix of electric and diesel traction on the intercity network, taking into account current electrification plans.

References

[edit]
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Sources

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Detailed maps

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Further reading

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  • Prentice, Paul (28 November – 11 December 2012). "High Speed 1 won... can High Speed 2, too?". Rail. No. 710. Peterborough: Bauer. pp. 54–59. ISSN 0953-4563. OCLC 49953699.
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