The third of four tunnelling machines has finished its dig below London
The HS2 Northolt tunnel has had its third break through along its 8.4 mile length.
The tunnel is further set to be fully dug out by the end of summer.
This tunnel boring machine (TBM) travelled 3.4 miles
Named Emily, the TBM finished its journey at Green Park Way in west London, in February 2024. The name comes from Emily Sophia Taylor, one of the founders of the Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937 and Ealing’s first female mayor in 1938.
This tunnel is one part of the eastern section, and saw the moving of 775,000 tonnes of clay and the installation of 17,514 tunnel segments.
Emily is also one of two machines working on this section from Victoria Road, North Acton, to Green Park Way. This tunnel will take HS2 trains from the edges of the capital to Old Oak Common in west London.
The machines then all finish and are lifted out from a reception can in the Green Park Way shaft. This is also beneficial for the sealant that is applied in the tunnel lining, preventing the high water pressure from damaging or causing other issues in the tunnels, and allows the tunnel to remain pressurised until it is finished.
Earlier this year, in April, the second TBM (Caroline) working on the Northolt tunnel completed its journey of five miles.
“A real achievement for our team”
Malcolm Codling, project client director for HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2’s tunnelling drives in London for the Northolt Tunnel are nearing completion and it is a real achievement for our team to complete this 3.4-mile section on the tunnel safely and with such efficiency.
“There is still much more to do in the tunnel to get it HS2 ready and we will be focusing on productivity to continue with our work safely to get the HS2 route in London ready for track to be laid, and systems installed.”
Dave Hannon, project director, tunnels & routeway, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV said: “The arrival of TBM Emily at Green Park Way marks a significant milestone in the programme. We are now approaching completion of the Northolt Tunnel – an exciting achievement and a testament to the collaboration, dedication, and technical capabilities of our teams.
“With our continued focus we are pressing ahead at pace to complete the remaining works, including cross passages, tunnel walkways, ventilation shafts, headhouses, and portals, as we deliver on part of the HS2 project.”
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