The chief executive of HS2 Ltd has confirmed a significant setback for the UK's flagship high-speed rail project, stating that the original target for running trains between London and Birmingham can no longer be met.
Reset Required for 'Failures of the Past'
In an end-of-year update, the company revealed that CEO Mark Wild has formally advised the government that the aim to commence services between the two cities in the 2029 to 2033 window is unachievable. This confirmation follows Mr Wild's earlier admission in 2025 that construction had proven "harder than thought" and required a fundamental review of cost and schedule.
"I made a commitment to address the failures of the past and get HS2 on track," Wild stated. "It's clear that we can only do so with a fundamental reset." He emphasised that the project is now at an "advanced stage" of this comprehensive overhaul, which has involved scrutinising the entire programme "with a fine-tooth comb."
Progress Amidst the Delay
Despite the timeline disappointment, HS2 Ltd insists that 2025 saw substantial progress. The project is currently at "peak production," with several major engineering milestones completed. Notably, all 23 miles of deep-bore tunnels on the initial London to Birmingham section have been excavated. Furthermore, 70% of the vast earthworks are finished, and 69% of the required 300,000 tonnes of steel has been used.
Other key achievements highlighted for the year include the installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common station in London, the completion of the 2.1-mile Colne Valley viaduct, and the successful excavation of major tunnels at Northolt and Bromford.
Organisational Overhaul and Future Focus
As part of the reset, HS2 Ltd has implemented several internal changes designed to improve delivery. These include tightening cost controls, strengthening the leadership team, and reshaping the organisation to be less bureaucratic. The focus is now squarely on finalising a new, credible set of cost and schedule estimates for government approval.
The company has also established a revised construction schedule that prioritises completing the Phase One route between Old Oak Common in London and Birmingham Curzon Street. This shift aims to provide a clearer path forward for the 140-mile route's complex civil engineering, ahead of installing track and signalling systems.
Mr Wild praised the 34,000 people working daily on the project, stating their "tremendous hard work" over the last year provides "strong foundations to build upon." He expressed confidence that progress would continue throughout 2026, with the goal of delivering HS2 "as safely and efficiently as possible and for the lowest reasonable cost."
The government's spending review in June 2025 confirmed £25.3 billion in funding for the next four years to deliver the line to London Euston, which HS2 says provides greater certainty for the project's future delivery.
