Most of HS2 ‘unachievable’, says watchdog

HS2 has been given a ‘red’ rating by the Infrastructure Projects Authority, which means that the London to Birmingham and Birmingham to Crewe sections are considered to be ‘unachievable’. The definition continues: ‘There are major issues with project definition, schedule, budget, quality and/or benefits delivery, which at this stage do not appear to be manageable or resolvable. The project may need re-scoping and/or its overall viability reassessed.’ It is the latest hurdle in the path of HS2, where construction has been under way for some years. The project received another setback when work at London Euston was ‘paused’ for at least 24 months in March this year. Birmingham to Crewe has also been delayed by two years, again to reduce costs.