As new chief executive, Wild will oversee the project’s transition from a major construction programme to a working railway, with a renewed focus on controlling costs.

Formerly chief executive at Crossrail, he was widely credited, after joining the project late in delivery, for dragging it back on track and through the complex commissioning phase.

He met engineers assembling two giant tunnelling machines – named Karen and Madeleine after prominent figures in rail and engineering – that will dig the final 4.5 miles of tunnel from the Old Oak Common station box to Euston.

TBM Karen being assembled in the Old Oak Common station box

HS2’s London tunnels JV contractor, Skanksa Costain Strabag, expects to start tunnelling in early 2025.

Both tunnelling teams will take around one and a half years to reach the railway’s final southern terminus.

The final approach to Euston will be completed by spray concrete lined tunnels which will then transition into three tunnels, to enable trains to be fed into and from platforms at Euston station.

James Richardson, Managing Director, SCS JV, said: “We are delighted that the Government has given the green light to delivering HS2 through to Euston, ensuring the full benefits of the new railway are realised.

“Over the past two years, we have continued with critical activities to ensure that we can deliver the Euston Tunnel and approaches quickly, and at the lowest possible cost.”

Final plans for the future HS2 terminus station at Euston are still under review and HS2 is continuing to work with the Government and other stakeholders to draw up an affordable station design.