Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Considers Slowing HS2 Amid Rising Costs and Delays

3/23/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The UK government is considering reducing High Speed 2 (HS2)'s operating speed, initially designed for speeds up to 360 km/h, to manage costs amid delays.
Testing delays could push completion beyond 2033 and drive costs above £100 billion.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is exploring options, including testing trains in China.
HS2 chief executive Mark Wild leads a project reset after the London–Leeds–Manchester plan was scaled back.

1 of 1

Story summary

The UK government is considering reducing High Speed 2 (HS2)'s operating speed, initially designed for speeds up to 360 km/h, to manage costs amid delays.
Testing delays could push completion beyond 2033 and drive costs above £100 billion.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is exploring options, including testing trains in China.
HS2 chief executive Mark Wild leads a project reset after the London–Leeds–Manchester plan was scaled back.