How to Build a Railway is a twelve-part podcast series exploring the story behind the construction of the UK’s new high speed rail line.

This episode focusses on why HS2 is needed, the historical context of our country’s railways, project progress so far and upcoming goals.

Guests

• Bob Gwynne, National Railway Museum Associate Curator.
• Andrew McNaughton, Former HS2 Chief Engineer.
• Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor.
• Mark Thurston, HS2 Chief Executive.

Starting back in the 1830’s, Bob sets the scene of the original Victorian Railway and its importance both for the time as well as now. Andrew talks through the early days of the project with designing the first stage back in 2009. Andy describes what HS2 will do for the region of Birmingham as well as the rest of the country and Mark gives his thoughts on not just the future of the project, but the space in which those who work on HS2 have created.