London → West Midlands
HS2
Counting from
10 January 2012
The clock starts with the government’s decision to proceed with HS2 in January 2012. It counts the time to an operating railway. Substantial construction has already taken place.
Under construction
The May 2026 reset put first services between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street in a May 2036–October 2039 range. Civil engineering continues, with railway systems and testing still to follow.
Still waiting forThe first HS2 passenger services.
Milestones
- 10 January 2012
The go-ahead
Government supports a new high-speed network, with the first section expected to open in 2026. Source: Department for Transport
- 4 September 2020
Main construction formally begins
HS2 announces the formal start of main construction, following earlier enabling works. Source: HS2 Ltd
- 19 May 2026
The timetable is reset
Government gives a May 2036–October 2039 range for the first services. Source: Department for Transport