Watchdog rates delivery of HS2 phases as “unachievable”

HS2 Phase 1 (Birmingham-London) and Phase 2a (West Midlands-Crewe) have both been given a ‘red’ rating in the annual report from official watchdog the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA). 

While it does not explain why a project has been given a particular rating, or what the issues are, IPA defines a ‘red’ rating as: “Successful delivery of the project appears to be unachievable. There are major issues with project definition, schedule, budget, quality and/or benefits delivery, which at this stage do not appear to be manageable or resolvable. The project may need re-scoping and/or its overall viability reassessed.” 

Phase 2b (West Midlands-East Midlands) has been given an ‘amber’ rating for the second year. Two years ago, it was also rated ‘red’. 

Reporting to the Treasury and Cabinet Office, the IPA has oversight of the Government’s most complex and strategically significant projects. 

Read this article in full in RAIL issue 989 here

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