HS2 contracts worth £6.6bn announced

Phase one will consist of two stages, the first of which involves design and construction preparation, and is already underway. Stage 2, set to commence in 2019, will see the main body of construction work take place, delivering the tunnels, bridges, viaducts and embankments for the new London to Birmingham line. While Phase One is due for completion in 2026, it has also been announced that work extending the line from the West Midlands to the West Coast Main Line south of Crewe should be completed by 2027, six years earlier than previously planned. The complete HS2 project should carry around 300,000 passengers a day, relieving pressure on local rail services. 

“HS2 will deliver vital links between some of our country’s biggest cities, helping to drive economic growth and productivity in the north and midlands,” said transport secretary Chris Grayling. “As well as providing desperately needed new seats and better connecting our major cities, HS2 will help rebalance our economy.”