The HS2 project, which involves building a tunnel from West to Central London, is facing uncertainty due to a review by the new Labour government of rail infrastructure projects. The firm only has enough funds to build the tunnel boring machines (TBM) needed to dig from its Old Oak Common (OOC) site in Ealing to Euston. The TBMs are set to undergo a factory test this month, with the first one expected to be lowered into place at OOC in September. However, the Government is currently ‘reviewing’ the project inherited from the previous Conservative administration, including ‘options for Euston’.
HS2 bosses have expressed concerns that construction on the 4.5-mile tunnel to Euston is being ‘held up’ by ministers. They emphasize the importance of avoiding delays to avoid increased costs and complexity, as the project has already spent £20 million to install the TBMs at OOC. The firm’s annual report for 2023/24 highlights the need for written confirmation to tunnel to Euston by September and the importance of securing funding to deliver the tunnels and station to ensure safe operation and maintenance of Old Oak Common Station and train services.
There is a risk that the Government may not be able to provide stable and predictable funding for the project, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Despite the uncertainty, HS2’s head of delivery remains optimistic that the project will receive the necessary funding to proceed with tunneling to Euston. The firm is working with the Department for Transport to understand the scope of works and delivery models, as well as to agree on the impacts of Network North, particularly in relation to Euston.
While it is too early to determine if a change in government will affect funding for the project, HS2 remains hopeful that they will receive the green light to begin tunneling to Euston. The importance of timely action is emphasized to prevent the deterioration of the TBMs and avoid the need for extensive maintenance. The future of the HS2 project hangs in the balance as decisions are awaited from the Government to provide the necessary funding and support for the tunneling to proceed as planned.