Excavation of HS2’s longest tunnel has been completed after a second machine reached the end of its 10-mile journey from a site near Maple Cross.
It was one of two tunnel boring machines digging a twin-bore tunnel with a depth of up to 80 metres that will be used for HS2 trains travelling between London and Birmingham.The other TBM, named Florence, broke through last month. Both began their journeys at HS2's south portal site near the M25 and Maple Cross.
They excavated the tunnel, lining it with 112,000 pre-cast concrete wall segments and grouting them into position, moving forward at an average speed of 16 metres per day. Headhouses are buildings on top of ventilation shafts which contain air flow and ventilation systems.They were operated by HS2’s main works contractor Align, which is a joint venture formed of infrastructure companies Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick.
“Both TBMs were designed in partnership with Herrenknecht and incorporate innovations and technologies that have been introduced on TBMs in the UK for the first time, to enhance performance and safety.
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