THE same chief executive who led HS2 Ltd through the planning and preparation stage has been chosen to lead the implementation of the high-speed project.

Alison Munro (pictured) has been at the head of the government-backed firm since it was established in 2009. She will receive a salary in excess of £120,000.

Following Transport Secretary Justine Greening’s decision in January to proceed with a project the government claims will cost £33billion, Ms Munro has led the organisation in preparations to make the high-speed rail network from London to Birmingham, via Hillingdon, a reality.

Ms Munro has also worked on the development of Y-network, which includes links to Manchester, Leeds and Heathrow Airport. However, a route for this stage of the line has yet to be agreed.

Following the appointment, Ms Greening said: “Alison has done an excellent job as chief executive of HS2 Ltd during the advisory and consultation phases of this project so I am delighted she has agreed to continue in that role. Alison’s leadership will be invaluable during the next crucial phases of this project including preparation of the Hybrid Bill on Phase 1, and the development of route proposals for Phase 2.”

Ms Munro herself added: “I am very happy to have been asked to continue in my role.

“Having led the work to develop the route for Phase 1, including the largest consultation ever undertaken for a transport project, I look forward to taking the project on to the next stage, working with our many stakeholders to deliver the best outcome for this transformative project.”