Where HS2 ends for now - the northern section

Looking by drone at the route and construction progress of the northern end of HS2 phase 1, between Birmingham and the connection with the West Coast main Line near Handsacre, Staffordshire. Includes crossings of the WCML (as well as joining it), along with the A5, A38, A51, A453 and A4091.
Work building Britain's controversial high speed rail project is underway, with earthworks and other civil engineering already happening. Unlike the original plans, some of the route has been changed from elevated to below ground level in cutting, to reduce impact on locals. This has meant that HS2 is now tunneling (sort of) underneath the WCML at Huddlesford, which is underway.
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[@martinalooksatthings]

CORRECTION: I wasn't quite right at 1:40 about the box jacking- now it's happened; they didn't force it through the ground under the existing railway, they excavated a slot for it to go into

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

Give money to Ukraine. Not for England train 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@IainHC1]

We knew what you meant 🙂

[@beccabeme]

Another interesting video. I hadn't realised HS2 are going to shove a concrete structure through the earth under a very busy railway line. A mixture of excavation and construction all in one.

[@ben437]

They're closing the line, lifting it all up, pushing the preformed tunnel into place an ld relaying it all in 9 days.. apparently

[@mikehindson-evans159]

And now delivered, moved and in place. Mid-July 2023

[@GeoffJLawrence]

Nice video, look forward to further updates and always appreciate orientation of drone shots, to work out where we're looking. Keep up the good work

[@martinalooksatthings]

I'm pleased you noticed; I tried to keep the drone moving north in every shot as a visual aid. I planned to mention this somehow but am glad it came across.

[@peebee143]

I've had a number of people who know I am into railways, I get asked:- 'why so much cost just to save 20 minutes London - Birmingham?' I've always replied (keeping it simple) that HS2 will liberate many, many current track paths and will actually free-up more space on the existing routes North from the capital. Increased trade will follow along the route, and it actually links in to the current overall push to reduce carbon footprint by whatever means are available. So, HS2 ticks more than just one box.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

But it doesn't does it, the official time saved between Birmingham and London on HS2 will be 40 mins each way

[@mikehindson-evans159]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 It's about capacity, as people realise that their rebodied electric milkfloats won't cover the distance, long-distance travel will move onto rail (and the current WCML infrastructure won't cope). Hence. the capacity of HS2 is needed as this country continues to grow and restrict personal freedom to drive everywhere we want.

[@yibbo0]

​@@mikehindson-evans159worst take I've heard, this has nothing to do with restricting personal freedom. Electric car tech has already doubled in range in recent years, you don't think it will double again ?

[@ollie4022]

@@benowen8321 No you are right, it has not doubled. It has octopuled. In 2008, according to the United States Department of Energy, a Lithium Ion cell could hold 55Wh per litre. They can now hold 450 Wh per litre. Can’t imagine being so horribly wrong about something and yet so confident too. So much for “battery technology hasn’t improved much”, and that was only in 15 years.

[@iainhughes6637]

Meanwhile thousands of acres of green belt has been destroyed, people are working from home more, footfall on the railway has decreased generally and the existing infrastructure starved of real investment with poor track conditions affecting many routes! Yes HS2 is a real win win

[@marvintpandroid2213]

Afternoon Martina, thanks for the overlook. Top stuff.

[@iwasborn8470]

Very Interesting, I think phase 2a/phase 2b is currently under review in Westminister, let's hope it get's built!

[@LankyScotty]

i hope so too, lets link the whole of the country up as intended, the north needs it!

[@jammin023]

I really enjoy these videos. I find myself having to rewind and pause to take in what I'm looking at. The shots are so lovely, it would be great if you could let each run a little longer, give us more time to properly look at each location. Even if you just have a pause in the narration between each paragraph, that will clue us in that you're about to move on so we and can pause the video if we wish to, before you move on to the next one. Keep up the good work!

[@mikehindson-evans159]

Thanks for a most-useful update. I travelled through this area today (22JUN2023). The "lid" is now in place on the "box-jack" structure, which your video showed as just a pair of vertical walls. Progress is constant! Thank you for taking the trouble to go out and film these sites.

[@ricequackers]

See all those tunnels and bits where the line is being dug underneath something else because of complaints? That's the reason why HS2 is working out so expensive.

[@ianhalsall-fox]

So question. Given HS2 has now been scrapped towards Crewe, is the spur to Handsacre still going ahead leaving two HS2 termini at the northern end at here and Curzon Street?

[@martinalooksatthings]

Everything under construction in this video is still being built, the cancelled phase 2 main line would continue straight next to the Screwfix warehouse, instead of curving left to meet the west coast main line at Handsacre

[@paulcgburrows7267]

A very slick production well done 😅

[@andrewjameson5918]

That was great to see; great drone footage.

[@x17aerialconsultancy51]

Great videos.. Feel free to do some about the part between Greatworth and Southam. Thanks

[@felixtv272]

Very nice drone footage! I thought the music was a little bit to loud compared to your voice, but otherwise very nice video!

[@squarepinapples9116]

I appreciate the mess hs2 is causing to people and their homes along the route. I’m from the “north” our transport systems are so far behind that of the south and midlands, it would be a shame to cancel the next phases, but it looks like they will. Maybe they should have built the northern phases first, then the most necessary upgrades for the UK transport system would have been completed. And the disenfranchised north would have got what they’ve been asking for, over 30 years

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

I am sorry to correct you but the transport system in Greater Manchester both Rail and Bus are far better than in the Midlands

[@squarepinapples9116]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 oh I’m sorry I’m not from Manchester, and I don’t believe I’ve ever visited Manchester, so I didn’t know that. But I’ll let you know that Manchester does not represent the whole of the north of England, and I’ll say having experienced life in the north, midlands and south that the north has been underfunded and forgotten for far too long. You’ll also notice that the transport needs for the country require connections to and from different cities, as well as within cities.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

@@squarepinapples9116 In Manchester there is a better tram system, Bus system, local rai services and larger Airport, where as Birmingham has been constrained with both Bus, Rail and Tram systems over the years and has only just started to expand with the expansion of the tram system, local rail and Bus services of lately.

[@TheHobohobbit]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 Last I checked Manchester is but on of many Cities in the north. there are many places like Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and others that could do with some major upgrades/expansion (not to say that Manchester is anywhere close to perfect either).

[@suburbia2050]

You mean because the Tories are worried about the business case for building the complete network that the Tories should have built the section with the most risky business case first? Yeah that would have worked lol I've got a much better idea, how about build the section with the best business case first, guaranteed high level of passengers and watch the economic growth prove the neysayers horribly wrong and then get on with building the rest! Oh yeah that's what we are doing. In the meantime get your local politicians to continue to bang the heads of the Treasury or vote Labour.

[@MassiveChetBakerFan]

Great video, much appreciated!

[@christaylor3115]

At the phase 1 / 2A split point you mention in the video that the route is curving left towards the WCML but the 2016 phase one plans also contained about half a KM of the route heading to Crewe before coming to an end. Is there any sign this is still being built?

[@martinalooksatthings]

It looked like a bit of a stub might be built, but it's hard to say with it being early days. Some prep work has happened further along for phase 2a too.

[@mikeyb4610]

More updates on the HS2 project please….this is turning into a huge mess that the current government has lost control of and billions of pounds will have been wasted if things stop now…your videos help to show just what is happening and how things are developing/ failing…Thank You #MorePlease #Trains #Construction #Reality

[@DavidShepheard]

Thanks for pointing out two places, where HS2 has been changed from being an elevated railway, into a cutting. There are folks complaining that "the cost is going up" but with these changes being done to lessen the environmental impact, it clearly is a case of extra money being spent to build a better railway. And the anti-railway campaigners never acknowledge the investment that these improvement tweaks represent.

[@linesided]

Am looking forward to refurbished Pacer units travelling at high speed on this new dedicated line.😆😆

[@nicks4934]

Can’t wait for it to open ❤

[@tomsixsix]

And where it seems to have ended for good...

[@cameronallan5624]

Where hs2 ends for now did not age well. notice the date. Yesterday was a bad day for the UK. hopefully it will get relaunched in the not too distant future. But even that is 10-15 years away.

[@arthurdebacker4797]

So I’ve heard that HS2 phase 2b which will be the manchester link will only be operational at the earliest in 2041 with possible delays as no funding is secured at the moment. Does this not bring into question the necessity of the entire project?

[@OnTheRailwayOfficial]

No, it should question the competence of the government.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

@@OnTheRailwayOfficial No, it should recognise current economic pressures along with the absolute necessity for this country to invest in our infrastructure for future capacity.

[@OnTheRailwayOfficial]

@@mikehindson-evans159 That’s what I mean. I am questioning the competence of our government because they are cutting back on it building a half assed shitty job that will not reap the full benefits.

[@LankyScotty]

@@OnTheRailwayOfficial I'm sure it was a labour government idea hs2. and what an idea it was! on paper its perfect but the crappy Tory management has led it to this, why should the north miss out due to their incompetence?

[@edwardtreadwell3859]

It should have been scrapped 10 years ago. It will not link up the country. Ask anyone in Bristol, Cardiff, Norwich, Newcastle etc etc who are all paying for this through taxes, and will see no benefits at all. By 2041 travel will be much reduced anyway. Rail use is already down 20% since Covid.

[@orsoncarte7574]

Potentially a good video packed with information but I would better hear what you are saying if you turned down the loud music.

[@michaelstevens3479]

Opening will be delayed by a five year dispute over drivers pay for the new faster trains.

[@TomRyanElliott]

I bought a buy to let property up in Crewe specifically because of HS2, no more cancellations 😅

[@jhuc2869]

Thanks for summing up perfectly what it’s for and why it shouldn’t be getting built.

[@davidmillar9595]

Interesting video, unfortunately the information on the installation methodology for the WCML is totally wrong. It is not a box Jack - it is being installed using SPMT’s the 6500t structure will be installed during a 9 day closure with the railway removed and embankment excavated out. Worth noting that the 2599t BWJ3 line will also be driven in on SPMT’s this time in a 77day blockade (mainly for piling and FRC ) thanks

[@martinalooksatthings]

That's very interesting- do you have a link to any more info, or dates? It would be good to get footage of that!

[@davidmillar9595]

Interesting to see the Existing A38 at 1.53 on your video - everything changes so quickly wonder how busy that section of road will be this bank holiday. What date is Bastille day ? My French friends have a 9 day party planned …. Really sorry can’t give you the dates of the blockades you will have to ask HS2 thanks

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

I have always believed this would happen after the PM shelved the High Speed link to Manchester as construction work was still going on between Birmingham and Lichfield including the construction of the Delta Junction at Water Orton just out side Birmingam and the construction of this bridge,, it was the PM who did not explain thing properly and the London Daily rags that got people believing HS2 would finish at Birmingham which always sounded rubbish and every one believed it, now the truth of the matter has come to life that HS2 trains will travel on the HS2 line from Birmingham Interchange Station to Handsacre and join the WCML taking HS2 trains to Manchester, Liverpool and Scotland.

[@chrisjw37]

Thats where the line should have been built in the first place. I am a Southerner, we have enough lines North already, just improve them.

[@nlo114]

Interesting. Can you repost this without the music please, as being part-deaf, I cant hear the speech. Cheers. 🙂

[@IainHC1]

What are your thoughts about our present leader stopping HS2 at Birmingham?

[@martinalooksatthings]

Pausing or mothballing phase 2 would have been relatively sensible, completely cancelling it and selling off the land is nuts

[@IainHC1]

@@martinalooksatthings I agree too

[@JonFFX]

Both I and my friend George thought this video was great

[@markwarner9676]

Another great informative video 👍

[@Raggsy_The_Wire]

Good vid

[@imkirbo3094]

Ridiculous that they cancelled the northern section, oroginally the whole point of HS2 was to link the north and the south to bring the divide closer together, then they cancel the northern part anyway making HS2 almost entirely a southern project.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

It is not a Southern Project as most of the work is within the Midlands and West Midlands and they are still working around the Lichfield area

[@RedKnight-fn6jr]

Just get it built at this stage - at least from London Euston to Crewe by 2031 - then get it to Manchester and Leeds!

[@CA_I]

Makes you think if Sunak's decision to cancel hs2 phase 2 cost him alot of votes.

[@seanosullivan7098]

👍

[@joj.]

Delaying construction over and over again has been shown to just push the costs up further. If the government cared about getting the best deal like they claim, they'd be building it all now already. Here's hoping the next Transport / HS2 / *Whatever the hell the next office ends up named* secretaries are a bit more competent than the offices' current occupants.

[@TheHobohobbit]

Realistically should have been done 50 years ago alongside the rest of Europe and Japan, The problems with the current network existed back then as well so would have been the only 'Proper' long term plan. The next best time to do something is now and should be done to the fullest.

[@NikanDragosysSerpenDra]

wasn't phase 2a garantueed? and 2b and phase 3 would have MUCH LESS ISSUES, COSTS, ROUTING PROBLEMS, INFRASTRUCTURE PROBLEMS damnit for just 2 billion it'll get to glasgow or aberdeen..... there's nothing in scotland just rather hilly and mountainous here and there, but look at japans HSR, their newest route also run top speed, in south japan to nagasaki i think or nagoya not sure 340KM/h northern powerhouse rail is even more expensive than 2b and thy shoud ASK THE REAKING RENCH HOW THEY BUILD Highspeed 320km/h lines on very hilly terrain talking about Lyon to the soutcoast of france the riveria, man that's... i mean you see they need less digging around and building large viaducht and a tunnel or 6...... i mean Come on, ask SNCF or rather the rail infra manager and guide the british to create true highdspeed rail because 218mph is ALLOT,

[@ericparton1232]

It was only ever going to finish at Lichfield so Londoners can live in the midlands.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

How do you work that one out as there will be no HS2 station at Lichfield so Londoners will find it a bit hard getting off a train doing over 60 mph.joining the WCML

[@ericparton1232]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 watch this space

[@Shaun30-3]

Hi Martina I do have an interest in building and structures and I do enjoy watching construction , but this project should never happen England has a good rail and road/motorway links connecting north to south and town to town ,city to city I think it is a waste of tax payers money not just people in England but also waste of Welsh and Scottish tax payers money as this high speed link dose not enter Wales or Scotland as I said in another video Wales dose not have a north to south dual carriage way , I dread to think how much the rail project costs Thanks for the video Martina I like these video's take care and cant wait for the next one

[@fishfake]

waste of money should have just built a road for buses lorries and emergency services only

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

Why, Railways are less invasive on the country side and you can't do 225mph on a Motorway

[@fishfake]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 225mph ?? don't think so.120mph top's

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

@@fishfake When the tains run on HS2 the speed was going to be 250 MPH, it has now been downgraded to 225MPH.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

@@fishfake Just googled it, the speed HS2 trains will run at will be 225 MPH, where do you get 120MPH tops, 50 year old HST Diesel trains regularly travel at 125MPH in the past and Pendolinos do 125 mph at the moment.

[@fishfake]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 we will see .

[@Devenus20211]

Everything Crewe touches turns to shit.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

Give money to Ukraine. Not for England train 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paulroberts7561]

Scrap it now. Going to be years late, billions overbuget. Not needed anymore. It was just a Johnson vanity project.

[@martinalooksatthings]

Why do commenters want it to be simply scrapped when half-built after most of the money has been spent

[@paulroberts7561]

@@martinalooksatthings most of the money has not been spent. Billions more is being poured into this black hole. It's not even going into central London. The northern end still has no terminal planned. Its not needed, billions of pounds to what end? London to Manchester 20 mins quicker. Really, is that value for money? I don't think so.

[@natenae8635]

@@paulroberts7561Building the southern portion was about half + more than the initial total cost.

[@leonardgoldberg2879]

A complete and utter waste of tax payers money.

[@andrewwilliams0619]

Take it to alton towel

[@marvintpandroid2213]

Its not funded by the tax payer, but apart from that, sure, we don't need more rail, lets build roads and airports instead.

[@leonardgoldberg2879]

@@marvintpandroid2213 It is tax payer funded. The government takes money in the form of tax from the 99% and gives it to the 1%.

[@leonardgoldberg2879]

@@PerryDaPlatapus Those are my thoughts. Tell me yours.

[@marvintpandroid2213]

@@leonardgoldberg2879 Nope, its funded from the bond market and will be paid back from income. But sure, keep believing what you want to believe if it makes you happy.