HS2 delayed for another TWO YEARS: Ministers delay construction of embattled line between Birmingham and Crewe, confirm it won’t initially end in central London as fears mount over £100bn project
Ministers have delayed construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe by two years, it was announced today.
In a written statement to MPs, Transport Secretary Mark Harper blamed the inflationary crisis and rising costs for the setback of the multi-billion pound rail project.
In addition to the delay on the section of HS2 from Birmingham to Crewe, Mr Harper also announced that the government would prioritize services between Old Oak Common, outside central London, and Birmingham in the first phase of the project.
This will likely mean that those traveling to the capital from the Midlands will have to complete their journeys to central London on the tube network for a period of time.
Ahead of next week’s budget, Mr Harper also announced delays to other major infrastructure schemes.
This includes the A27 Arundel and A5036 Princess Way in Liverpool, as well as the planned Lower Thames crossing in London.
Ministers have delayed construction of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe by two years
