HS2 Cryptic Crossword

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Across
  1. 4. Building for the future without depleting resources
  2. 8. Word dreaded by rail enthusiasts
  3. 11. Tilt of the railway track on curves
  4. 12. Starting point for many HS2 debates
  5. 13. The route — both political and physical
  6. 16. Earth moved during tunnelling — not the ending of a movie
  7. 17. How you dig tunnels — and how the delays feel
  8. 18. What keeps the line grounded — literally
  9. 20. Type of electric line powering high-speed trains
  10. 22. Street name with a new station in Birmingham
  11. 23. Hills that made HS2 dig deep
  12. 24. The process of awarding construction contracts
  13. 26. Town once considered for HS2 stops
  14. 29. Distance between the two rails
  15. 30. Relating to the impact of construction on nature and communities
  16. 31. Economic revitalisation around HS2 stations
Down
  1. 1. What happened to HS2’s northern leg in 2023
  2. 2. Key reason for project delays or cuts
  3. 3. Rails laid for trains to run on
  4. 5. County with long stretches of HS2 tunnelling
  5. 6. Tall steel tower carrying overhead power lines
  6. 7. Profession designing and constructing HS2
  7. 9. City at the heart of HS2’s first phase
  8. 10. Action to reduce negative effects — especially on wildlife or heritage
  9. 12. The problem-solver behind every viaduct
  10. 14. Major factor leading to HS2 “reset”
  11. 15. Bridge structure allowing HS2 to cross valleys and rivers
  12. 19. Southern starting point of the HS2 route
  13. 21. Ensuring HS2 connects with other rail networks
  14. 25. Company responsible for parts of the build
  15. 27. When the government hits “Ctrl+Alt+Del” on HS2
  16. 28. Structure projecting horizontally, key in bridge design