HS2 is “unachievable”, according to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority watchdog.
Officials at the IPA handed a red rating to the first two phases of the high-speed railway, which is designed to connect London with the Midlands and the north of England.
Phase 1, which covers the route to Birmingham, and the high-speed rout to Crewe detailed in phase 2a, where construction is yet to start, were denounced as “unachievable”.
The phase 2b extension to Manchester was given an amber rating, which means that, for now, “successful delivery appears feasible’’.
Last year, phase 1 received an amber rating and phase 2a was given green, meaning that it was on time and in budget.
