Report suggests MSAs can absorb HS2 skills as megaproject nears peak
What happened
A Centre for Cities report, Licence to Build, suggests that Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) across England could utilize skills from the HS2 workforce once the megaproject moves beyond peak construction activity. The report notes that MSAs currently face capacity shortages in transport modelling, procurement, and legal functions. The first HS2 trains are expected to start running between 2036 and 2039.
Why it matters
The report warns that these capacity constraints in MSAs are particularly likely to impact transport delivery across England. It recommends that central government actively build MSA capacity and embed specialists from client bodies such as Network Rail and National Highways.
Who's involved
- Department for TransportThe governmental body responsible for regulating and funding transport policy in England.
- Network RailThe state-owned company that manages rail infrastructure in Great Britain.
- National HighwaysA government-owned company recommended to embed specialists within MSAs.
- governmentThe governing body urged to shift funding and capacity to MSAs.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Greater ManchesterSpeculative
Greater Manchester could see increased demand for transport planning services due to proposed funding uplift for MSAs.
- Department for TransportSpeculative
The Department for Transport may face pressure to shift funding and build capacity within MSAs.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Department for Transport
United Kingdom government ministerial department responsible for the English transport network
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Network Rail
state-owned company that manages rail infrastructure in Great Britain
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England
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom