Just six months ago, the government vowed HS2 - conceived in 2009 - would roll into Manchester, saying it would 'form the foundations for improved rail services in the north through the Northern Powerhouse'.
Now those foundations appear to be shaking, if not crumbling. Political and transport leaders here were reassured by the contents of the written ministerial statement.
They said they felt the commitment would protect, albeit possibly delay, the route to Manchester, the end of the line for the proposed high-speed, north-south link.
But today (Tuesday, September 26) the end of the line seems far nearer as Rishi Sunak's government reportedly prepares to announce whether or not the line will run any further than Birmingham amid spiralling costs said to be £100bn.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk