HS2 could be delayed further, project boss says, but 'confidence' over Manchester route remaining

The HS2 rail project could be delayed among a number of potential options being considered to curb rising costs, the project’s boss has said. However, confidence remains that the Crewe to Manchester phase will not be scrapped as part of any potential cost cutting plans.

The high-speed rail line from London to Manchester has been plagued by delays, cost increases, and more, over many years with the head of the project again signalling that discussions are taking place on how savings could be made. HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston has said in a recent BBC interview that the impact of inflation on the project over the past year has been "significant… whether that’s in timber, steel, aggregates for all the concrete we need to use to build the job, labour, all our energy costs, fuel".

The cost of the project has ballooned since it was first outlined in 2010, rising from the region of £33bn to an estimate of at least £71bn, although some estimates are much higher. Work on the project is well underway, however, with phase one, from London to Birmingham, around 40 per cent complete.

READ MORE: Serving Greater Manchester Police officer charged with rape and false imprisonment

The line would then be extended from the West Midlands to Crewe in Phase 2a, before connecting from Crewe to Manchester in phase 2B. Although some reports have suggested this last phase could potentially be scrapped as part of cost cutting measures.

Mr Thurston told the BBC HS2 was in discussion with suppliers and the Government on finding ways to minimise the soaring costs. He said: "We’re looking at the timing of the project, the phasing of the project, we’re looking at where we can use our supply chain to secure a lot of those things that are costing