The Transport Secretary has today published the
terms of reference and timetable for an independent review into
the High Speed 2 (HS2) project.
Douglas Oakervee, who has built up considerable knowledge on a
wide range of major projects over the course of his sixty-year
career, will lead the review and will work with as his deputy. They will be
supported by a panel of experts, bringing together a range of
perspectives from business, academia and the transport sector to
ensure an independent, thorough and objective assessment of the
project. Panellists will each be consulted on the report’s
conclusions.
The terms of reference published today confirm that the
independently-led government review will look at whether and how
HS2 should proceed, using all existing evidence on the project to
consider: its benefits and impacts; affordability and efficiency;
deliverability and scope; and phasing, including its relationship
with Northern Powerhouse Rail.
A final report will be sent to the Secretary of State, with
oversight from the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the
Exchequer, by the Autumn. The report will inform the Government’s
decisions on next steps for the project. Limited, largely
preparatory works, on the project will
continue in parallel with the report’s work.
Transport Secretary said:
“The Prime Minister has been clear that
transport infrastructure has the potential to drive economic
growth, redistribute opportunity and support towns and cities
across the UK, but that investments must be subject to continuous
assessment of their costs and benefits.
“That’s why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous
review of HS2.
“Douglas Oakervee and his expert panel will consider all the
evidence available, and provide the department with clear advice
on the future of the project.”
Douglas Oakervee said:
“The Prime Minister has asked me to lead
this important review into the HS2 programme. I looking forward
to working with my deputy, , to advise the government on
how and whether to progress with HS2, based on all existing
evidence.”
The full terms of reference for the project are
available here.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- For
more information, please contact Simon Renwick in the press
office on 0207 944 6911/ 0797 111 0615, or contact the DfT
Newsdesk on 020 7944 3021
- Doug
Oakervee is a civil engineer with a vast
international experience in the delivery of major
projects. He oversaw the construction of the Hong Kong
airport and was also previously Chief Tunnel Engineer of the Hong
Kong Mass Transit Railway Authority and one of the key designers
of the Jubilee line extension. He served as Chairman of
Crossrail from 2005 to 2009 and Chairman of HS2 Ltd from 2012 to
2013.
- is a civil
engineer who has worked across a number of major international
projects before holding senior positions within the construction
of the Channel Tunnel. was Chairman of the Rail
Freight Group until 2018.
- The
panellists supporting the project include:
- Stephen Glaister
- Michele Dix
- John Cridland
- Sir Peter Hendy
- Patrick Harley
- Andrew Sentence
- Tony Travers
-
