Fresh photographs have been released, offering a revealing snapshot of the current state of Britain's flagship HS2 high-speed rail project, showcasing significant construction milestones alongside a frank admission that there remains "still much to do".
A Visual Update on Major Milestones
The newly published images highlight a year's worth of tangible progress on the ambitious line designed to slash journey times between the capital and the West Midlands. All 23 miles of deep-bore tunnels on the initial phase between Old Oak Common in west London and Birmingham Curzon Street have now been fully excavated. In a striking visual, the first platforms are now in place at the future Old Oak Common Station, a major new interchange.
Further along the 140-mile route, the Colne Valley Viaduct, now complete, stands as the UK's longest rail bridge. Other critical structures, such as the Small Dean Viaduct in Wendover and the M6 South Viaduct, are also visibly taking shape. The project's vast earthworks programme, involving the levelling of slopes for the track, is reported to be around 70% finished.
Challenges and a 'Fundamental Reset'
Despite this physical progress, the project continues to be shadowed by well-documented challenges. HS2 has been marred by controversy since its inception, including debates over the final route into London Euston and significant budget overruns. According to reports, the project is already estimated to be between 50 and 100 percent over its original budget, running into tens of millions of pounds in additional costs.
Under the leadership of its new Chief Executive, Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd is undergoing what he has termed a "fundamental reset". Mr Wild has formally advised the Government that the previously scheduled opening window of 2029 to 2033 "could not be achieved". The company is now working to finalise a new set of credible cost estimates and a revised timetable.
Focus Shifts to Viaducts and Systems
With the tunnelling and major earthworks advancing, the project's focus is now shifting. Attention is turning to the construction of the remaining viaducts, bridges, and essential civil engineering works along the entire route. Following this, the intricate process of installing the track, signalling, and communications systems will begin.
The scale of material required remains immense, with nearly 300,000 tonnes of steel already used—accounting for 69% of the total steel needed to complete the railway. When finished, the high-speed line promises to connect London and Birmingham in as little as 49 minutes, marking a transformative step in the UK's transport infrastructure, provided the reset plan succeeds in steering it to completion.
