HS2 starts London tunnel drive

Work starts on first of three tunnels

The first of a pair of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) driving twin-bore tunnels from West Ruislip to Greenford on High Speed 2 started its work on 6 October.

Named Sushila, it was named after local teacher Sushila Hirani, who attended the launch event. IT will be joined shortly by another TBM named after 18th century astronomer Caroline Herschel.

In 2023, another pair of TBMs will launch from the Victoria Road crossover and ventilation shaft site in west London near Old Oak Common station towards West Ruislip.

The two machines boring from West Ruislip were built by Herrenknecht and are operated by the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture building this part of HS2.

The first TBM started its drive from West Ruislip to Greenford on HS2 on 6 October.
The first TBM started its drive from West Ruislip to Greenford on HS2 on 6 October. HS2 Ltd