Overview Timetable

High Speed 2 (HS2) is the new high speed railway line proposed to improve travel and connectivity both within the UK and also with connections to the Continent.  It is designed to create space on overcrowded networks and enable large numbers of people to move more effectively.

The line is to be developed in two phases.  Phase 1 will run from London to the West Midlands whilst Phase 2 will run from the West Midlands in a Y-shaped network linking Birmingham with Manchester and Leeds via the East Midlands.  As a result Phase 2 is split in to two sub-phases.  Phase 2a will run from Birmingham to Crewe whilst Phase 2b will extend the route from Crewe to Manchester on the West Coast and the West Midlands to Leeds along the East Coast.

 

HS2 will ultimately branch onto the West Coast Main Line just south of Wigan, taking services to Liverpool and on to Glasgow, whilst joining the East Coast Main Line at York, providing a direct link to Edinburgh.

Initially announced in January 2010, the Hybrid Bill for Phase 1 received Royal Assent on 23 February 2017 with the passing into law of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017. On 15 November 2016 HS2 Limited issued safeguarding provisions for Phase 2b, having issued similar provisions for Phase 2a in 2016. It is expected that the Hybrid Bill for Phase 2a will be introduced into Parliament in 2017, whilst the Bill for Phase 2b will be issued in 2019.

Construction of Phase 1

This is due to commence in 2018 and open to users by 2026. Phase 2a is now due to be open six years earlier than planned, allowing construction to start in 2020/2021. Assuming Royal Assent for Phase 2b is achieved in 2022, construction will commence in 2023 to enable the line to be fully operational by 2033.

TIMETABLE

phase 1

February 2017 Royal Assent granted for Phase 1 with the introduction of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017
Spring 2018 Possession of land to develop Phase 1 to be taken
2019 Construction of line to start
2026 Phase 1 open to passengers

phase 2a

2017 Hybrid Bill to be submitted to Parliament for Phase 2a
2021 Hybrid Bill was granted Royal Assent 
2020 / 2021 Construction of Phase 2a to commence
2029 / 2033 Phase 2a open to passengers

phase 2b

2020                                      Amendment to final route and further consultation for Phase 2b
2021 / 2022 Introduction of the Hybrid Bill for Phase 2b
2023 Royal Assent expected to be granted for Phase 2b
2025 / 2026 Construction to commence on Phase 2b
2035 / 2040 Phase 2b open to passengers

Roger Hannah has a dedicated team specialising in HS2 compulsory purchase matters and who specifically act for claimants affected by HS2. We, therefore, have no conflicts of interest and can provide unbiased and comprehensive advice to ensure clients receive the maximum HS2 compensation.

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