High Speed 2 told to explore cutting speeds to reduce costs
UK: Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander has told HS2 Ltd to look at lowering the maximum speed of future train services from 360 to 320 or 300 km/h, with the aim of reducing costs and delays to the overall programme.
Light at the end of the tunnel in HS2’s Euston saga
UK: The launch of a second TBM to drive from Old Oak Common towards Euston offers renewed hope that High Speed 2 will eventually reach its long-planned London terminus. Chris Howe reports.
HS2 contractor prepares to complete Birmingham’s ‘Bellingham Bridge’
UK: Preparations are well in hand to move the striking Curzon No 2 Viaduct into position this spring, forming a stand-out element of High Speed 2’s arrival into Birmingham. Chris Howe reports from Duddeston.
Midland Main Line electrification to the north ‘not affordable’
UK: Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander says the government’s approach to rail investment ‘will be guided by securing value for taxpayers’ by ‘only supporting projects that are fully costed and affordable’.
Innovation Accelerator to support High Speed 2 project reset
UK: Applications have opened for the latest round of the High Speed 2 Innovation Accelerator, which is intended to address three specific challenges as part of the government’s ‘reset’ of the HS2 project.
HS2 bridge manoeuvre reflects Birmingham approach route progress
UK: A 1 631 tonne bridge for High Speed 2 has been successfully rotated and moved into position over Lawley Middleway in Birmingham, marking significant progress on the line’s elevated alignment into the city centre.
High Speed 2 train interiors designed for accessibility, comfort and convenience
UK: Accessibility, comfort and convenience were priorities when designing the interiors of the future Class 895 trainsets for High Speed 2 services, according to the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed manufacturing joint venture.
Productivity trumps sustainability for business travellers
Government sets out plans to sort out ‘appalling mess’ at High Speed 2
Viewpoint: Buy tilting trains and finish Delta Junction to salvage HS2, says Gibb
Rail industry responds to spending review
Britain ‘could be a global rail leader again’ says Burnham as he urges backing for ‘Northern Arc’
HS2 Ltd CEO confident ‘reset’ will succeed
Viewpoint: The future of HS2 could lie in its original vision
High Speed Rail Group seeks ‘Euston – Crewe core’ in HS2 vision
First of HS2’s deep tunnels nears commissioning stage
First HS2 Delta Junction viaduct section unveiled
HS2 invites Birmingham Interchange peoplemover bids
High Speed 2 SME Innovation Accelerator gets underway
High Speed 2 ATO over ETCS train control contracts awarded