The £56billion High Speed 2 rail line was hurled into doubt today after Boris Johnson’s government launched a major review of whether it should go ahead.
The decision comes after a long public row over ballooning costs for the massive link from London to the north.
The first phase to Birmingham is due to open in 2026 with Manchester and Leeds extensions in 2033. But reports emerged last month that HS2’s chairman had warned the cost cost billow by £30bn.
The independent review will look at how much HS2 will cost, it’s affordability, deliverability and scope.
Its launch fulfils a promise by Boris Johnson to hold a review, led by former Crossrail chairman Douglas Oakervee.
In the Tory leadership campaign, the Prime Minister said he would “hesitate for a long time” before scrapping HS2 – but warned it was responsible to review a project on which spending will “probably be north of £100bn”.
(Image: Department for Transport)
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that transport infrastructure has the potential to drive economic growth, redistribute opportunity and support towns and cities across the UK, but that investments must be subject to continuous assessment of their costs and benefits.
“That’s why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous review of HS2.
“Douglas Oakervee and his expert panel will consider all the evidence available, and provide the department with clear advice on the future of the project.”
The review will also look at the phasing of the project and “whether and how” it should proceed.
Despite the review, the Transport Department said “limited, largely preparatory works on the project will continue” on HS2 while it is carried out.
(Image: Getty)
The British Chambers of Commerce urged the rail link to go ahead – despite concerns about its cost.
Director General Adam Marshall said: “There is a strong economic case for delivering all phases of HS2.
“For far too long businesses across the UK have had to cope with heavily congested Victorian-era railways – with passengers and freight traffic vying for priority.”
