Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is set to tell Parliament today that the long-awaited HS2 high-speed rail line will miss its target opening date of 2033 and will exceed budget. Moreover, she’s unlikely to specify a new launch date. Two substantial reviews, one by former Crossrail CEO James Stewart and another by HS2 CEO Mark Wild, have uncovered a “litany of failure,” including missed deadlines and major financial overruns, escalating from the original 2012 estimate of £20 billion to well over £57 billion, and possibly into triple digits.
What Went Wrong
In addition, Alexander is expected to shine a harsh light on the mismanagement that plagued the project. Under Conservative leadership, HS2’s cost reportedly ballooned by around £37 billion. Not only were contracts signed without sufficient oversight, but design changes, such as the pricey revisions at Euston. Furthemore, allegations of subcontractor fraud have emerged. Indeed, tax authorities are now investigating potential wrongdoing in the supply chain. These failures, along with ineffective governance revealed by Stewart’s review, helped derail timelines and inflate costs.
Reset and New Leadership
Furthermore, as part of a renewed strategy, two separate reviews will be released:
James Stewart’s report reviews overall governance and lessons learned. Mark Wild’s interim review focuses on Phase 1 (London to Birmingham) and endorses a “fundamental reset” to tighten cost control and timeline.
To mark this “reset,” Mike Brown, former Transport for London commissioner known for his leadership on Crossrail, is being tapped as the new chair of HS2 Ltd, taking over from Sir Jon Thompson. Alexander will also commit to adopt all 89 recommendations from Stewart’s report to ensure future infrastructure projects avoid repeating HS2’s missteps.
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What’s Next for HS2
Finally, following years of loss, including cuts to the Leeds branch and the cancelled Birmingham–Manchester leg, HS2 now only includes the London–Birmingham route. Given the renewed challenges, completion is now expected well into the 2030s, with some forecasts estimating final costs north of £100 billion. However, the government hopes this overhaul will help deliver remaining phases on-time and in-budget, and importantly, set a better standard for flagship infrastructure like Northern Powerhouse Rail.
HS2 Project Summary
Current Status: London–Birmingham leg delayed beyond 2033, with completion now expected in the mid‑2030s
Cost Escalation:
Cost estimates soared from £33 bn (2012) to between £67–83 bn (2025 prices).
Some forecasts put the total over £100 bn .
Failures & Mismanagement:
Official reports cite a “litany of failure”: poor contracts, repeated redesigns (e.g., Euston). Additionally, scope creep, wasting billions on canceled elements
Fraud allegations have emerged, triggering investigations by HMRC into subcontractor misconduct
Governance Review & Reset:
Mark Wild (HS2 CEO) is leading an interim review calling for a “fundamental reset.”
James Stewart is reviewing oversight and governance to ensure future project lessons are learned
New Leadership & Commitments:
Mike Brown (ex-TfL commissioner) appointed as the new chair of HS2 Ltd.
The government will implement all 89 recommendations from Stewart’s review to prevent repeat mistakes
Project Scope Changes:
Leeds extension axed in 2021; Birmingham–Manchester leg canceled in 2023.
Remaining focus limited to the London–Birmingham section, with private funding to play a role
