Developing a national high speed network is a huge undertaking. This timeline outlines the key dates in the development of the high speed rail network.

January 2012

• Announcement of the decision to proceed with development of a national high speed rail network
• Announcement of the route for phase 1 (London to West Midlands)

Spring 2012

• Consultation on compensation proposals and safeguarding of the phase 1 (London to West Midlands) route
• Government receives HS2 Ltd advice on phase 2 (Leeds, Manchester and Heathrow) route options

Summer 2012

• Engagement programme along phase 1 (London to West Midlands) route on Environmental Impact Assessment issues

Autumn 2012

• Agreed compensation policy in place
• Engagement programme along phase 2 (Leeds, Manchester and Heathrow) preferred route, to take on board local views

Spring 2013

• Consultation on Environmental Statement for phase 1 (London to West Midlands)

Late 2013

• Introduction of a hybrid bill to provide necessary powers to construct and operate phase 1 (London to West Midlands) of the railway

Early 2014

• Consultation on preferred route for phase 2 (Leeds, Manchester and Heathrow)

Late 2014

• Government’s announcement of the chosen route for phase 2 (Leeds, Manchester and Heathrow)