PHASE 2a of the £88billion High Speed 2 (HS2) project cleared its final parliamentary hurdle on February 11, paving the way for construction of the West Midlands-Crewe extension.
A year after the initial Act of Parliament was passed, the HS2 Phase 2a: High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill has been given Royal Assent, allowing HS2 Ltd to begin preparatory works alongside Phase 1.
Construction north towards Crewe is expected to begin in 2024, earlier than originally planned, creating about 5,000 jobs.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, said: “Whatever your view of this project, HS2 is now a reality – heading north, creating jobs and building a brighter future for our country. This vital project is at the heart of the Government’s commitment to build back better from the pandemic, tackle the north-south divide, and drive growth across the country.”