THE chairman of HS2 David Higgins has revealed that some revisions are being planned to the route of Phase 2 in South Yorkshire, but no details will be published for at least another week.
He has also dismissed suggestions that the economic turmoil following last week's Brexit vote could delay the project. A review of national infrastructure projects is due to be completed by the autumn.
He has been speaking in response to a new report from the National Audit Office, which is said to contain a warning that the project schedule as set out by the Department for Transport is 'too ambitious', and that rising costs could mean that it does not provide all the intended benefits.
The report, expected to be published today, was prepared before last week's EU referendum.
NAO head Anyas Morse said: "HS2 is a large, complex and ambitious programme which is facing cost and time pressures. The unrealistic timetable set for HS2 Ltd by the Department means they are not as ready to deliver as they hoped to be at this point. The Department now needs to get the project working to a timescale that is achievable."
However, David Higgins said imminent changes would mean a reduction in costs. He told the BBC: "The route has had modifications all along ... we are hoping that the government will make a determination on the Phase 2 route by the end of the year."
He was also cautious about the prospect of delaying the start of work on Phase 1 for a year, again in a bid to reduce costs. At present, Royal Assent in the Phase 1 Bill is due by the end of this year, allowing work to begin in 2017.
"If there's anything we have learnt from the referendum, it's not to take the Midlands and North for granted. HS2 will improve connectivity in those regions," he said.