Euston Tunnel TBM launch links Old Oak Common and Euston

The Euston Tunnel TBM launch marks the start of HS2’s final tunnel boring machine. As HS2 announced, the machine will build the second 7.2-kilometre Euston tunnel. Meanwhile, that tunnel will link Old Oak Common station in west London with Euston. Two train drivers from Avanti West Coast launched the machine.

Euston Tunnel TBM launch and the second bore

TBM Karen is now at work on the second parallel tunnel to Euston. Alan Morris, Route Delivery Director at HS2 Ltd, said: “is a significant milestone in our extensive tunneling program. The TBM Karen will complete the second parallel tunnel to Euston, bringing high-speed services directly to and from the capital’s center, enabling future economic growth and regeneration,”

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The Euston Tunnel is the second tunnel bored beneath London after the Northolt Tunnel. It is being built by the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture. The TBM was manufactured in Germany by Herrenknecht AG. Herrenknecht AG is the world’s leading supplier of underground tunnels. It was shipped to the UK. As Railway Supply previously covered, it was then reassembled. This took place in the Old Oak Common underground station box.

In addition, the 198-metre machine operates 24/7 as an underground factory. It excavates soil. It also installs concrete segments in rings to create the tunnel. In total, 48,294 concrete segments will be installed in the double-track tunnel. Also, 1.5 million tons of spoil will be excavated. The tunnel will be used by high-speed trains through central London.

Atlas road logistics tunnel and material handling

Separately, each 6-ton concrete segment was manufactured by Srabag. This took place at a newly established facility in Hartlepool, UK. It was then transported to the capital by rail. In addition, excavation of the Euston Tunnel is supported by a separate temporary logistics tunnel. That tunnel was completed in January 2024, as reported by RailwayPro.

Meanwhile, the 853-metre Atlas road logistics tunnel will allow access to both machines. Also, it will allow the delivery of construction materials. In addition, it will remove excavated waste. All materials excavated from the tunnel will be transported by conveyor. They will go to the London Logistics Center at the Euro Terminal Depot in Willesden. From there, the material will be transported by rail. It will be reused in projects in Kent, Cambridgeshire, and Warwickshire. Still, this will remove over 135,000 trucks from the roads.

How the Euston Tunnel will connect Old Oak Common and London Euston Station?

Also, the TBM was launched underground from the Old Oak Common station box. It was 23 metres below ground. At its deepest point, the Euston Tunnel will be 66 metres below ground. Once the TBM completes its journey, it will be parked. In addition, key components will be retrieved through the tunnel.

Meanwhile, the Euston Tunnel will be used by high-speed trains. They will run between London Euston Station and Old Oak Common Station. Once completed, high-speed trains will run directly to a new station in central London. At the same time, the tunnel’s construction is contributing to regeneration in the Euston area. It is attracting investment. It is creating new housing and jobs.

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