Doubts over future of HS2 rail line emerge

There are fresh doubts over the future of HS2.

The high speed rail line's costs have spiralled over the years and now it's believed the project may be scaled back.

The Sun is reporting that the Birmingham to Crewe and Manchester legs could be scrapped.

It's also believed the terminus could be moved to Old Oak Common in west London instead of Euston.

That would mean commuters wanting to get into the centre of the capital would have to get on the Elizabeth Line until 2038.

The paper also reported that a two-to-five-year delay to the entire project is being considered.

The government has yet to confirm any of the rumours.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The Government remains committed to delivering HS2 to Manchester, as confirmed in the autumn statement.

"As well as supporting tens of thousands of jobs, the project will connect regions across the UK, improve capacity on our railways and provide a greener option of travel."

The Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove suggested capital investment for HS2 would be reviewed in October last year, but the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt subsequently backed the project.

The target cost of Phase One between London and Birmingham was £40.3 billion at 2019 prices.

A budget of £55.7 billion for the whole of HS2 was set in 2015.

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