Crossword Genius

State current saving after what HS2 no longer will do to Leeds? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

connecticut

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'what hs2 no longer will do to leeds?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'state current saving' is the wordplay.
'state' becomes 'connect' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'current' becomes 'I' (physics symbol).
'saving' becomes 'cut' (I've seen this before).
'connect'+'i'+'cut'='CONNECTICUT'

'after' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for connecticut that I've seen before include "America" , "State of NE USA" , "The Nutmeg State" , "one of fifty" , "Yale U. is in this US state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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