HS2: The figures & dates behind the rail project

Credit: HS2 Ltd

An exclusive poll for ITV News Central has revealed there's a distinct lack of support for the HS2 rail project in the Midlands.

26% of people surveyed in our region are supportive of HS2, while just 8% describe themselves as strong supporters. 63% of those questioned believe HS2 will not be value for money.

Tonight (Thursday 1st August) ITV News Central will be broadcasting a special HS2 programme live at 6:00pm.

Key Dates (Phase One - London to West Midlands):

  • 2009: HS2 Ltd formed

  • 2013: Route of phase one confirmed

  • 2017: Royal Assent granted by Parliament

  • 2019: Construction begins

  • 2024: First trains to be delivered

  • 2026: Completion of Phase One expected

Key Dates (Phase 2A - West Midlands to Crewe):

  • 2015: Government confirms route

  • 2019: Royal Assent anticipated to be granted by Parliament

  • 2020: Environmental construction works to commence

  • 2021: Construction to start

  • 2027: Completion of Phase Two A expected

Key Dates (Phase 2B - Crewe to Manchester, and the West Midlands to Leeds)

  • 2020: Hybrid bill to be deposited

  • 2023: Royal Assent expected

  • 2023: Start of construction

  • 2033: Construction expected to completed

Total cost as of 2019: £55.7 billion

  • Phase 1 London to West Midlands - £27.2 billion

  • Phase 2a West Midlands to Crewe - £3.5 billion

  • Phase 2b West Midlands to Leeds/Manchester - £25 billion

READ MORE: HS2 fails to inspire across the Midlands

Journey times as estimated by HS2 (Birmingham to):

  • Manchester, HS2 time 40 minutes, current time, 88 minutes

  • London, HS2 time 45 minutes, current time, 82 minutes

  • Sheffield, HS2 time 49 minutes, current time, 63 minutes

  • Leeds, HS2 time 40 minutes, current time, 88 minutes

  • Newcastle, HS2 time 49minutes, current time, 118 minutes

  • Glasgow, HS2 time 200 minutes, current time, 242 minutes

  • East Midlands Hub, HS2 time 17 minutes

  • Manchester, HS2 time 37 minutes, current time, 106 minutes

  • London, HS2 time 38 minutes, current time, 70 minutes

  • Leeds, HS2 time 46 minutes, current time, 88 minutes

  • Newcastle, HS2 time 49 minutes, current time, 148 minutes

  • Glasgow, HS2 time 186 minutes, current time, 256 minutes