‘Significant moment’ for HS2 as London tunnelling begins
First machine starts the fivemile underground journey from West Ruislip towards Greenford.
THE first of six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will excavate around 13 miles of twin-bore tunnels under London was launched on October 6.
Named after Greenford High School teacher Sushila Hirani, who has worked for almost 30 years to inspire girls to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, TBM Sushila began its dig towards Greenford from West Ruislip.
The TBM is one of a pair weighing 2,000 tonnes and measuring 140metres in length. Its counterpart Caroline, named after Caroline Herschel (credited as the first professional female astronomer) will begin work on the second of the twin bores.
Over 22 months, the pair will bore virtually non-stop (apart from Christmas Day and bank holidays) to Greenpark Way in Greenford.
Other tunnels
Two other TBMs will complete a 3.4 mile tunnel from Victoria Road to Greenpark Way. Between them, the two tunnel projects will create a link from West Ruislip to HS2’s station at Old
Oak Common. A further pair of machines will create a 4.5 mile tunnel from Old Oak Common to Euston.
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston said: “The launch of tunnel boring machines on the longest section of tunnels through London is a significant moment for HS2, and one that demonstrates the momentum that has built behind Britain’s flagship levelling-up project.”
“The huge team effort has enabled some of the most advanced TBMs ever built to be launched,” added managing director of contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture James Richardson. “Our team has brought together world class skills along with developing many new people to the industry working on this crucial national infrastructure project.”