The HS2 railway project is undergoing significant changes as it transitions from excavation to civil engineering works, all amidst a comprehensive reassessment of costs and timelines. This substantial infrastructure initiative represents the largest of its kind in Britain, and recent updates have shed light on its current status, particularly as it faces a major restructuring.
As of now, the excavation for all 23 miles of deep-bore tunnels connecting Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street has reached completion. In addition, approximately 70% of the necessary earthworks have been executed, alongside the utilization of nearly 300,000 tonnes of steel, which accounts for about two-thirds of the total steel requirement for the project.
With the most demanding excavation efforts largely behind them, HS2 is shifting its focus to the critical phase of major civil engineering tasks along the railway route. This step is essential as it prepares for the future installation of railway tracks, signaling systems, and communication infrastructures.
While these statistics indicate notable strides being made, the project still has a considerable way to go before it can be operational. Coinciding with this progress report is the first anniversary of Mark Wild’s leadership as chief executive. Over the past year, HS2 has engaged in what they call a thorough "reset" process. This initiative aims to reorganize construction operations and set more realistic expectations concerning both costs and completion timelines, especially after facing various challenges.
Construction has not halted during this reset period; currently, there are about 350 active work sites between London and Birmingham, employing roughly 34,000 individuals across the project. HS2 has reported an increase in frontline construction personnel and has instituted closer oversight of progress. This includes real-time performance monitoring to identify areas that may be lagging behind schedule.
Recent reports indicate that 88% of the railway’s foundational structures are now established. The pace of viaduct construction has notably increased compared to the previous year, with around 1,500 segments installed in 2025, a significant rise from 860 in 2024.
HS2's construction partners have successfully met or surpassed several annual goals, particularly in earthworks. Among the year’s notable achievements were the completion of several high-profile engineering milestones, including the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common and large-scale installations of viaduct decks. Additionally, tunneling on both the Northolt and Bromford tunnels has been completed, along with the final touches on the Colne Valley viaduct. Environmental initiatives have also progressed, such as realigning portions of the River Cole to facilitate new infrastructure developments.
In June, a government Spending Review confirmed £25.3 billion in funding, aimed at bolstering the delivery of HS2 between London Euston and the West Midlands over the next four years. This financial backing offers greater assurance regarding the project’s progress, with a concentrated effort on completing all tunnels, viaducts, embankments, and cuttings necessary for the railway.
In parallel with construction efforts, HS2 has implemented stricter cost controls, adjusted its timeline to prioritize the Old Oak Common to Birmingham section, and restructured its organization. These changes include modifications to senior management roles, cuts in corporate positions, and an enhanced focus on frontline project execution.
Following an initial assessment earlier this year, Wild informed the Transport Secretary that meeting the previously proposed opening window of 2029-2033 is no longer feasible. Efforts are currently underway to establish a new set of cost estimates and timelines. This approach will utilize strategies Wild successfully employed during the Crossrail project’s reset prior to the Elizabeth Line's launch.
Once these new estimates are finalized, they will serve as a benchmark for evaluating HS2’s progress as it steadily approaches its eventual opening.
