Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Cancellation of HS2 Phase 2 impacts Phase 1 design, particularly West Coast Main Line integration.
Conclusion
The cancellation of other HS2 phases will inevitably result in some design changes to Phase 1. HS2 Ltd told us that the top of its list is the implications for how HS2 trains will join the West Coast Main Line. HS2 trains would have joined the line north of Manchester if Phase 2a were being built. But in order to travel on HS2 trains through to Manchester, Liverpool and Scotland, HS2 trains will now need to join it at Handsacre, which is near Lichfield.35 Once the HS2 trains have joined the West Coast Main Line they will be limited to that line speed, rather than able to travel at faster HS2 line speeds, and likely be slower than the existing tilting Pendolino rolling stock.36 HS2 Ltd described Handsacre junction as already being a choke point for the West Coast Main Line. It told us it was working with the Department to look at whether the junction needed to be bigger and what expansion might mean in terms of land and cost.37
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the implications of HS2 phase cancellations, stating it is progressing amendments to Phase 1 and working through options to enhance the Handsacre junction. It is also undertaking a review of HS2 infrastructure and managing the closedown of other phases, with updates due in future reports.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2024 3.2 The government is progressing its plan to implement amendments to Phase 1 of the HS2 programme, and to progress the closedown of the remaining phases. 3.3 The department is working through options to enhance the railway junction between HS2 infrastructure and the existing West Coast Main Line at Handsacre, near Lichfield, to improve the connection for passengers and freight customers. The department is also undertaking a review of HS2 infrastructure in delivery to ensure that the government is bearing down on costs and only delivering what is essential. 3.4 Following the government's decision to cancel HS2 Phase 2, the department and HS2 Ltd have started to bring the work on Phase 2a, Phase 2b Western Leg and HS2 East to a stop in an orderly, safe, respectful, and efficient way whilst ensuring value for money. Safeguarding directions on Phase 2a were lifted on 18 January 2024 and Phase 2b safeguarding (covering the former Western and Eastern Legs) will be amended by summer 2024, to allow for any safeguarding needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail. HS2 Ltd is developing detailed plans that will set out the scope of work for closedown activities, including remediation works to be undertaken and thereafter provide the costs and key milestones to complete the closedown of Phase 2a, Phase 2b Western Leg and HS2 East. 3.5 The department will provide an update in its next six-monthly report to Parliament. 3.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: during 2024 3.7 As set out in its November 2023 report to Parliament, the department is supporting the HS2 Ltd Executive Chair in delivering a comprehensive change programme in HS2 Ltd so that it is well placed to deliver the revised programme. A key part of this is ensuring the right skills and capability are in place. 3.8 The department will provide an update in its next six-monthly report to Parliament.