The HS2 High Speed Rail Project is currently undergoing a comprehensive “reset” program led by CEO Mark Wild to stabilize costs and timelines. As of February 2026, construction is active across 350 sites on the 140-mile route between London and Birmingham, employing over 34,000 people. While a new definitive opening date is pending, major civil engineering milestones have been reached: 85% of twin-bore tunneling is complete, and 70% of earthworks (105 million cubic meters) have been moved. To accelerate testing, the project is prioritizing a 50-mile “test area” between Birmingham and the Chilterns for early systems integration, modeled on the successful Crossrail recovery strategy. This momentum in British rail infrastructure is mirrored by international developments, such as Sweden moving forward with the first contracts awarded for the Ostlänken high-speed rail, signaling a broader European commitment to expanding modern, high-capacity transport networks. This focus on long-distance connectivity is being balanced by regional upgrades elsewhere, such as the UK government’s £14 billion commitment to overhauling the Welsh railway network, which aims to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve local service reliability.

Published 18th June 2025: 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.

Also Read Europe’s Incredible £623 Million Train Line project linking Vienna to Four Other Countries: The Nightjet Services

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.

Also Read The $4.3B Santa Cruz-Pajaro Passenger Rail Project Takes Shape

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