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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent

Why has HS2 ended up being so expensive?

HS2 David Higgins Covid-19
An aerial view of the Streethay Bridge, which will allow HS2 trains to pass under the west coast mainline in Lichfield, England.
An aerial view of the Streethay Bridge, which will allow HS2 trains to pass under the west coast mainline in Lichfield, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The future of Britain’s high-speed railway project is again shrouded in uncertainty, with Downing Street apparently considering axing the route north of Birmingham to Manchester amid concern over escalating costs. So why exactly is HS2 so expensive?

How much has the final bill gone up by?

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