Construction of the new HS2 line reached a significant milestone, according to Skanska, with the unveiling of the final machine for the Northolt Tunnel under London.
Named after Lady Anne Byron, an influential educational reformer and philanthropist, the machine continues a tradition of honouring prominent women. It will bore 3.4 miles from Ealing to Greenford, joining another machine named Emily.
The tunnel, a joint venture between Skanska, Costain, and STRABAG, stretches 8.4 miles from Ealing to Hillingdon. With four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) now operational, including Anne and Emily, progress is underway for completion by 2025.
James Richardson, Managing Director for Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, said: “The launch of TBM Anne is a milestone moment in this year of peak activity for the HS2 London Tunnels project. With a quartet of TBMs and over 20 construction sites all making significant progress, we are on course to deliver the high-speed line into central London, creating economic growth and opportunities at every step of the way.”
Manufactured by Herrenknecht in Germany, TBM Anne is one of ten specially designed for the HS2 project. Weighing 1,700 tonnes and 170 meters in length, it boasts a 9.11-meter diameter cutterhead. The machine’s assembly and launch followed meticulous preparation, including lowering it in parts into a 25-meter-deep crossover box. Two more TBMs are in construction for the final leg of the HS2 tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston.