The Government has confirmed that there will be a delay in the HS2 project between Manchester and Birmingham
Transporr Secretary Mark Harper said in a statement that the government remains fully committed to delivering HS2 from Euston to Manchester.
However, in recognition of inflationary pressures and to help balance the nation’s books, the next two years will be used to rephase construction and optimise future delivery of Phase 2a between Birmingham and Crewe so this is done in the most cost-effective way.
This aims to deliver high-speed services to Crewe and the North West as soon as possible after accounting for the rephrasing of construction.
The first part was due for extension between 2030 and 2034 to help boost transport in the north of England, but the window has now shifted to 2032 to 2036 while services will not extend to Manchester until the 2040s.
Reaction to the news have been predictably angry
“Delaying projects – whether it’s train lines or hospitals – doesn’t make them cheaper, it only holds back economic benefits and increases the overall scheme costs further in the long run.” said Henri Murison for the Northern Powerhouse project
“Delaying projects – whether it’s train lines or hospitals – doesn’t make them cheaper, it only holds back economic benefits and increases the overall scheme costs further in the long run.”
Labour’s Transport Spokesman Louise Haigh said
“Tens of thousands of jobs, and billions in economic growth are dependent on this project.The Conservatives crashed the economy and now they’re asking the north to pay the price.Conservative failure is holding Britain back.”
