UK Government Funds HS2 Tunnel to Euston

The UK government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has committed funding to initiate tunnelling work for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, extending the line from Old Oak Common to Euston station in London. This move aims to secure the project, which has faced uncertainty since the previous government's decision to scrap parts of HS2, relying on private investment to save £6.5 billion. Reeves emphasized that the funding would catalyze private investment and boost local economic growth. The tunnelling will involve approximately 105km of tunnels and the use of 10 giant tunnel boring machines. Additionally, the Chancellor announced increased funding for housing and road maintenance in her Budget speech. The completion of the HS2 line to Euston is seen as vital for connecting high-speed trains directly to central London.