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Britain’s new longest railway bridge, the Colne Valley Viaduct.

Britain’s new high-speed railway

Britain’s new longest railway bridge, the Colne Valley Viaduct.

What is HS2

Britain’s new high-speed railway

HS2 is Britain’s new high-speed railway. It’s the most significant addition to the rail network in over a century and lays the foundations for the future of our railways.

It will provide more reliable and faster journeys while relieving pressure on the congested southern end of the West Coast Main Line.

Download the HS2 Route and Infrastructure Maps

What HS2 means for passengers

When HS2 opens, trains will run between Old Oak Common station in west London and Birmingham. Next, we’ll complete the final section to London Euston and the link to the West Coast Main Line at Handsacre, Staffordshire.

From Old Oak Common, you can connect to the Elizabeth line (London’s newest railway) to reach central London

HS2’s opening services will run between Old Oak Common and Birmingham while we complete the line to Euston and north to Handsacre. During this time, passengers can connect to the Elizabeth line at Old Oak Common for travel to central London.

What HS2 means for the economy

HS2 is helping the government rebuild Britain and boost the economy. The railway is already creating jobs, benefiting businesses and boosting skills.

Construction supports around 30,000 jobs and over 3,500 UK-based businesses. This includes 2,500 small and medium-size enterprises.

By improving connections, the railway creates a corridor of economic opportunity between London and Birmingham. Developments in the West Midlands and west London willboost the economy by a total of £20 billion in the next decade.

The new railway gives people more freedom to choose where they live and work, and businesses more possibilities to trade and grow.

Construction progress

HS2 is being built to the highest standards, using advanced engineering to protect the environment, cut carbon emissions and support British industry.

The project involves building major structures including tunnels, embankments, cuttings, bridges and viaducts across 140 miles of new high-speed line.

Progress to date

  • We’re in peak civil construction, building the major structures such as tunnels, stations, viaducts, bridges.
  • Contracts awarded for rail systems like track, signalling and power supplies.
  • Modern stations under development in London, Birmingham and Solihull.

This progress means we’re building the foundations for faster journeys and economic growth.

Discover HS2’s Project Update

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