HS2 Considers Speed Reduction to Cut Costs

HS2 is set to officially examine the option of reducing the speed of its trains as a strategy to save billions and mitigate construction delays. Reports indicate that, under the current specifications, locomotives and carriages would need to be transported to China for testing, as a bespoke test track within the UK is not yet available.

Currently, HS2 trains are designed to run at speeds of 360 km/h, positioning them among the fastest in the world. However, government sources have suggested that this ambitious speed may be reconsidered, as every incremental increase of 1 mph adds approximately £1 billion to the overall expenditure. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to instruct HS2 Chief Mark Wild to consider this speed reduction, while exploring all available options to recover time and costs for taxpayers.

The analysis from Whitehall indicates that the original conception of HS2 as a ‘gold-plated’ project has resulted in unnecessary specifications that may no longer be feasible. While the fastest trains globally operate in China and Indonesia at speeds close to 350 km/h, the UK’s existing rail network has a maximum speed limit of 200 km/h.

Trains on the specially constructed High Speed 1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel reach speeds of 300 km/h. The delay in building a testing infrastructure could extend the project timeline by several years and increase costs significantly. Alternatively, sending the trains to China for trials poses its own set of logistical challenges.

During an upcoming session in Parliament, Alexander is expected to provide an update on HS2’s progress, but will defer the release of a revised plan regarding the project’s costs and timelines. The initial total cost for the line connecting London and Birmingham sits between £54 billion and £67 billion, without accounting for inflation, which may push the final figure closer to £100 billion.

Currently, operations between Birmingham and the London suburb of Old Oak Common are projected to commence between 2029 and 2033; however, the likelihood of meeting the 2029 target appears slim. The extension from Old Oak Common to Euston station in London is not anticipated to be operational until the 2040s.

As the project faces a series of setbacks, leaders such as Wild, who has a track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects like the Elizabeth Line, are seeking ways to recover costs by exploring potential legal avenues against contractors. HS2 has not commented on the ongoing developments.

A £2 billion contract for the construction of multiple bullet trains will require revision due to sizing discrepancies, necessitating a reduction in the number of trains needed.

A government source remarked that after encountering numerous challenges, the government is committed to revitalising the HS2 project, focusing on efficient delivery while being mindful of public finances.