The government has confirmed that construction will begin on Phase 1 of HS2 in 2017. This first phase of the project will connect London with Birmingham, while Phase 2 will provide further links to Manchester and Leeds.
Transport Minister Robert Goodwill confirmed the start date as changes were unveiled in Parliament to the HS2 hybrid bill, which will be considered by the HS2 Select Committee.
Among the amendments to be put to the Select Committee are changes to the HS2 route near Lichfield, changes in the proposals for the relocation of the existing Heathrow Express depot, and the construction of sidings to the west of the Old Oak Common station. The Select Committee will continue to hear petitions from people along other parts of the Phase 1 route.
The hybrid Bill is likely to achieve royal assent by the end of 2016.