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High Speed 2 Line: Finance

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 29 June 2026UIN 12808

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the annual capital expenditure required to deliver a revived Phase 2a of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe, and Phase 2b through to Manchester; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of funding that expenditure on planned enhancement and renewal programmes across the existing rail network.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

As part of the Northern Growth Strategy, the government set out its intention to ultimately deliver a full North-South new line between Birmingham and Manchester.

The Government is conducting feasibility work, working closely with local partners. This will consider a range of different route and specification options, including initial cost estimates. This work is expected to conclude in 2028.

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