HS2

Independent thinktank the Institute for Government (IfG) has published a paper outlining lessons that policymakers could learn from HS2. In a statement, the organisation said its analysis aimed to set out “how government can ensure future infrastructure spending is money well spent – and where ministers can learn from the…

HS2 enabling works have uncovered a set of rare Roman statues. Archaeologists in the final stages of excavating a circular ditch at a recently discovered church yard in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, thought they were digging around an Anglo-Saxon tower, but found three stone busts, which are stylistically Roman. Two of…

Industry figures have expressed dismay after the government’s long-delayed Integrated Rail Plan failed to materialise in today’s Budget and Spending Review.  The plan, which is due to set out how lines such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) will link up, was initially expected alongside today’s announcements.  However in…

HS2 has defended its use of steel reinforcement from a foreign fabricator, citing a lack of suitable UK suppliers. HS2 used French fabricator Sendin for the supply of pre-assembled steel reinforcement panels used for the diaphragm walls forming two ventilation shafts of the Chiltern tunnels. The British Association of Reinforcement…

The eastern leg of HS2’s phase 2b, between the West Midlands and Leeds, will largely rely on existing track, but plans to develop a new station in Leeds are set to go ahead (pictured). Revised plans will see a new line constructed between Leeds and the village of Clayton on…

A time­lapse video released by HS2 shows the demolition of a 100-metre road bridge in Saltley, near Birmingham. The bridge was removed over four weeks in August and September to make way for the northern section of HS2’s phase one route between London and the West Midlands. The Heartlands Parkway…

Keltbray has appointed a director to a brand-new role managing the company’s HS2 contracts. Neil Lindley joined the firm last month as programme director for its HS2 work. He was brought in from a top position in the rail division of Toronto public transport body Metrolinx. Lindley will report to…

HS2 has been hit by extra costs of up to £890m because of COVID-19, protester activity and rescheduling of construction work, the government has revealed. HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson revealed the spending in an update to parliament this morning, and warned of a further £1.3bn of “potential cost pressure” on…

HS2 chiefs have revealed the shortlist for a key oversight role on phase 2a – on the same day that the section’s window for opening was pushed back a year. Three firms will compete for the £500m design-and-delivery-partner contract on phase 2a, which will include management of major packages of…

Strabag has won a contract to produce precast elements for HS2’s London tunnels. The contractor, which is in a joint venture with Costain and Skanska to deliver tunnels on phase one, is to turn an old oil rig-fabrication site at Hartlepool Dock into a facility making concrete segments. The Austrian…