<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>HS2 construction contracts priced at £19.5bn have already cost £26bn despite being 'just over halfway done', according to HS2 Ltd's chief executive, Mark Wild.</li><li>Contracts were rushed in 2020 without balancing risks, leading to cost escalations.</li><li>A 'reset' of construction is underway, including reshaping staff, budget adjustments, and contract renegotiations planned for autumn.</li><li>HS2 trains with a speed of 225 mph might start running at lower speeds to expedite testing, aiming for services sooner.</li></ul>

HS2 already billions over budget with work ‘just over halfway done’, says rail boss

Discover more