70% of the required twin-bore tunnels have been excavated, among other encouraging statistics in the latest update
The HS2 progress figures show that 38 of the 55 miles of tunnels have been dug for the railway, including the Bromford tunnel hitting the halfway point in August and the Chiltern Tunnel breakthrough, the longest and deepest route.
Five of the 12 tunnels have been completed, with north-west London’s Northolt tunnel being the most recent.
58% of earthworks have been completed
Representing 92m cubic metres of moved material, the earthworks are for the railway’s cuttings, embankments, stations, and landscaping.
This includes the work in Birmingham in preparation for the Birmingham Curzon Street station.
Work has also been started on 70% (158 of the 227) viaducts and bridges, with 13 having been completed. This includes the Colne Valley Viaduct, the longest rail bridge in the UK that will carry railway over lakes and waterways on the outskirts of north-west London.
HS2 progress still faces significant challenges in spite of strides made
Intended to be a long-term strategic asset for the UK, HS2 will provide reliable, speedier journeys between the two biggest cities in Britain (London and Birmingham), while also relieving existing lines and improving capacity for local and freight services.
In spite of this recent progress, cost is still a major hurdle for the project.
Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd chief executive, is currently heading a review of the programme which is due to present evidence this year.
This will lead to a full-reset of HS2, renewing confidence for the government regarding cost and schedule and boosting HS2 progress.
Wild said: “HS2 represents a significant investment in Britain’s future and in the last month I’ve been inspired by the hugely impressive feats of civil engineering taking shape right along the route. New railways provide better journeys and they boost economic growth by fuelling investment in communities and businesses.
“The prize is clear. However, the programme is in a very serious situation that requires a fundamental reset to enable it to be delivered to the lowest feasible cost. I am committed to delivering this reset over the coming year to ensure the railway can be brought into service safely and efficiently.”
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the railways and since the first steam-powered passenger train operated on Darlington and Stockton railway, and events are planned throughout the year.
More than 31,000 people are employed in the HS2 programme and across 350 active construction sites. Upon completion, systems will be installed on the route including tracks, overhead lines, and power systems. Winners of contracts for these systems were announced in November 2024.
In 2025, HS2 plans to work on:
- Excavation of the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel – the second longest on the line – with three tunnelling machines all breaking through in 2025 in addition to the one earlier this month
- Both bores of the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel – a critical section of the railway which will carry the line in and out of Birmingham
- The base slab of Old Oak Common’s huge underground station box, alongside the start of work on the station platforms
- The first deck section of the River Tame West Viaduct – one of 13 viaducts being built for Delta Junction, the triangular section of the railway east of Birmingham that enables trains to run between London, Birmingham and the north
- The Copthall tunnel – a 900-metre green tunnel on the outskirts of London between the Northolt Tunnel and the Colne Valley Viaduct.
