The company behind Britain's flagship high-speed rail project has formally admitted it cannot meet its target of running trains between Birmingham and London by 2033. In a significant year-end update, HS2 Ltd's chief executive, Mark Wild, confirmed the original 2029 to 2033 opening schedule is no longer achievable.
A Project in Need of a 'Fundamental Reset'
Mark Wild, who took over as CEO of HS2 Ltd, stated that construction had proven 'harder than thought' and that the multi-billion pound scheme 'needed a reset'. This process has involved a comprehensive review of both the project's escalating costs and its timeline.
"It’s clear that we can only do so with a fundamental reset," Wild explained. "Over the last year we’ve been through the programme with a fine tooth comb and we’re now very close to establishing a clear path forward." He acknowledged the frustration but stressed this was a one-time reset to rebuild confidence for the remainder of the project.
Progress Amidst the Overhaul
Despite the schedule setback, HS2 insists that 2025 saw substantial progress, with the project now at an 'advanced stage' of its reset. The company highlighted it is currently at 'peak production', with a workforce of 34,000.
Key engineering milestones for the initial London to Birmingham phase have been reached, including:
- Excavating all 23 miles of deep-bore tunnels, including the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel and the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel.
- Completing 70% of the vast earthworks programme.
- Using almost 300,000 tonnes of steel, representing 69% of the total required.
- Finishing the 2.1-mile-long Colne Valley viaduct and installing the first platforms at Old Oak Common station.
The focus is now on completing the complex civil engineering along the 140-mile route before installing track and signalling systems.
New Structure and Future Timeline
As part of the reset, HS2 Ltd has implemented several internal changes. These include tightening cost controls, strengthening the leadership team, and reshaping the organisation to be 'less bureaucratic'. A new construction schedule prioritises completing the core section between Old Oak Common in London and Birmingham Curzon Street.
The government's spending review in June 2024 confirmed funding of £25.3 billion to deliver the line to the West Midlands over the next four years, providing greater certainty. HS2 Ltd is now finalising new, credible cost and schedule estimates for the government.
Wild thanked the workforce and remained optimistic: "The solid progress they’ve made in the last year gives us strong foundations to build upon... We’ve shown what can be done and I expect that to continue throughout 2026 and beyond."
