hs2-progress-tunnel-borers-honour-notable-figures

HS2 Progress: Tunnel Borers Honour Notable Figures

In a significant step towards the completion of the High-Speed 2 (HS2) railway project, engineers have started assembling two colossal tunnel boring machines (TBMs). These machines are set to excavate the final 4.5 miles of tunnels that will carry HS2 trains beneath London’s bustling streets and into the heart of the city.

Female Names and Historical Tributes

Keeping with a long-standing tradition, each of the TBMs has been christened with the name of a remarkable woman from history. The first TBM, named ‘Karen,’ pays homage to Karen Harrison, the trailblazing first female train driver in the UK who was stationed at the Old Oak Common depot. The second TBM bears the name ‘Madeleine,’ in honour of Madeleine Nobbs, the former president of the Women’s Engineering Society.

Unveiling and Leadership Transition

The grand reveal of the TBMs coincided with the arrival of Mark Wild as the new chief executive of HS2 Ltd. Mr Wild, who previously served as the CEO of Crossrail, will play a vital role in shepherding the project towards becoming a fully operational railway system. His primary focus will be on managing costs effectively to ensure the project’s success.

Technological Marvel and Future Prospects

These colossal 190-meter-long TBMs were manufactured in Germany before being transported to the site at Old Oak Common to be reassembled. Once situated at the eastern end of the station, they will commence their intricate task of boring through the ground towards London Euston at an average speed of 16 metres per day. The TBMs function like underground factories, excavating the tunnels with a turning cutterhead and lining them with pre-cast concrete tunnel segments before advancing forward.

As teams continue to work tirelessly around the clock below ground, the commencement of boring operations is anticipated in 2025. The progress on the Northolt tunnel, a separate structure leading westward from Old Oak Common towards West Ruislip, is already well underway. The completion of these tunnels marks a crucial milestone in the ambitious HS2 project, heralding a new era of high-speed rail travel in the UK.