HS2 has achieved the first tunnelling breakthrough on Europe’s largest infrastructure project. Credit: High Speed Two Ltd.

UK-based High Speed Two (HS2) has announced the first tunnelling breakthrough along the London to Birmingham route.

Using a 2,000t custom-made tunnel boring machine (TBM) called Dorothy, the firm has concluded a one-mile dig under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

It is the first of 64 miles of intricate tunnels under Europe’s largest infrastructure project. The tunnel will span intermittently between London and Manchester.

The 125m long TBM commenced its operation at the tunnel’s North Portal in December 2021 and reached the South Portal site on 22 July.

Around 400 people working for HS2’s main works civil contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV JV) have been involved in the tunnelling breakthrough works, which were completed in seven months.

The tunnel is designed to protect the ancient woodland above, which is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It features complex ecosystems that took hundreds of years to grow.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “This is a historic moment for the HS2 project, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in delivering it.

“The 400-strong team, including tunnelling engineers, TBM operators, and the construction workers at both portal sites, have pulled out all the stops to achieve this fantastic milestone.”

Earlier this month, HS2 started construction on the 450m-long Wendover Dean Viaduct, which is said to be Britain’s first key rail bridge to be built with a double composite structure.

HS2 is expected to play a significant part in the government’s £96bn Integrated Rail Plan, which includes the development of three new high-speed lines, addition of extra seats, and reduction in travel times.