This new Accelerator programme underlines how HS2’s delivery is progressing as we’re now looking for innovations in how the railway operates and is maintained.

Despite the programme’s challenges, a considerable amount of work has been carried out on the civil engineering that will lay the foundations for the 140-mile line between London and the West Midlands.

Two giant tunnelling machines, named Karen & Madeleine after prominent figures in rail and engineering, to dig the final 4.5 miles of underground high-speed railway & carry HS2 trains to Euston.

The gently-curved 3.4 kilometre (2.1 mile) long structure on London’s north-western edge will carry high speed trains running to and from the capital at speeds of up to 320km/h (200mph).

HS2 is preparing to enter a critical new phase with the development of state-of-the-art rail systems that will allow passengers to enjoy some of the world’s most reliable intercity train services.

A 90-strong specialist team has assembled the 1,600-tonne machine set to build the second bore of Bromford Tunnel.

The viaduct near Denham (Bucks) – one of HS2’s landmark structures – will carry high speed trains at speeds of up to 200mph for over two miles across the Colne Valley between the line’s London and Chiltern tunnels.

Harefield’s Moorhall Road has reopened after HS2 engineers completed a key 40-metre span that will form part of the high-speed rail project’s record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct.

Since launch in November 2022, the 2,000-tonne TBMs have both installed over 847 tunnel rings each, made up of 5,929 concrete segments.

HS2 Ltd confirmed that a second set of proposed changes to the High-Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, has been introduced to Parliament.