HS2 construction to be delayed to save money

The government is set to announce that construction of certain sections of HS2 will be delayed to save money, the BBC understands.

It is thought the delay will primarily affect sections from Manchester to Crewe and Birmingham to Crewe.

But sources have also indicated that some of the design teams working on the Euston end of the line may be affected.

Contractors are looking at whether they need to redeploy staff working on that site.

The high-speed railway will link London, the Midlands and North of England.

However, it has been beset by delays and cost increases. In 2010, it was estimated to cost around £33bn but that has since swollen to at least £71bn.

Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, recently told the BBC that he and the government were examining the phasing of the build and the timing.