HS2 Project Faces Major Challenges as Costs and Estimates Come Under Scrutiny

New CEO Mark Wild calls for a 'fundamental reset' to address cost concerns and ensure the high-speed rail project is delivered efficiently.

HS2's estimated cost, ranging from £67 to £83 billion in current prices, has been deemed unreliable by the Department for Transport, with no updated figure expected until late 2025.
Mark Wild, who became CEO of HS2 Ltd in December, has acknowledged the project is in a 'very serious situation' and pledged to implement a reset over the next year.
To date, £32.8 billion has been spent on the 140-mile rail line between London and the West Midlands, with significant progress made on tunnels, viaducts, and other infrastructure.
Construction milestones expected in 2025 include the completion of the Northolt Tunnel in west London and the Bromford Tunnel near Birmingham.
HS2 employs over 31,000 people across 350 active construction sites, with work advancing on 58% of the project's ground preparation and 158 out of 227 planned bridges and viaducts.