What is HS2 and how much will it cost?

Not sure why the government is so keen on a new £55.7bn high-speed rail link? We answer your HS2 questionsWhat is HS2 and how much will it cost?High-Speed 2 is the planned rail network between London, the West Midlands and the North. The first phase will link the capital to Birmingham, while the Y-shaped second phase will link Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to Leeds. By the time both phases are finished in 2033 there will be 350 miles of new track. Related: HS2 is on its way but