HS2 GOOD 2 GO AT LAST
First shovel in ground on rail project today
CONSTRUCTION will finally begin on HS2 today with shovels in the ground on the Phase One route between London and the West Midlands.
Most work this year will focus on the biggest engineering challenges such as tunnels and stations, followed by bridges and viaducts.
Boris Johnson said the highspeed railway will create around 22,000 jobs and bring vital links between urban areas.
The Prime Minister, who is expected to attend an event today marking the project’s milestone, added: “HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This fantastic moment is what leaders across the
North and Midlands have called for – action to level up our country by boosting capacity on our railways, improving connections between our regions, and spreading prosperity.”
It follows controversy over the project due to long del ays, spiralling costs and the impact on households and businesses along the route.
A governmentcommissioned review warned last year that the final bill could reach £106billion.
Despite it running tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule, the PM gave the green light for the railway in February 2020.
Sites for construction include one at Old Oak Common in Park Royal, West London, and another in Calvert, Buckinghamshire. HS2 chief Mark Thurston said: “This is a hugely exciting moment in the progress of HS2. After 10 years of development and preparatory work, today we can formally announce the start of full construction, unlocking thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities.”