HS2 bill could rise to £102bn with first trains delayed until 2039, government admits

• HS2's projected cost could exceed £100 billion, with its completion now delayed until 2039, 13 years later than originally planned.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed anger over the 'obscene increase' in time and costs, attributing the issues to 'failures of successive Conservative governments'.
• The estimated cost for the high-speed railway has escalated from an initial £32.7 billion to between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion.
• To save money, HS2 trains will operate at a reduced maximum speed of 320kmh (199mph), down from the original design of 360kmh (224mph).
• The first phase, Old Oak Common to Birmingham, is expected to open between May 2036 and October 2039, with the Euston to Handsacre Junction section not opening until May 2040 to December 2043.

IN FULL

HS2 may not open until 2039 and could cost more than £100bn, warns minister