HS2: Preparations in Progress For Tunnel Boring Topical Commentary • construction safety
David Chuck brings the latest updates on the on-going rail project
THE first images of one of the largest construction sites in Warwickshire has been revealed showing preparations being made for the launch of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for HS2.
manufactured in Germany by Herrenknecht, is due for delivery on site early in 2021 and will be launched next summer, with the boring completed by mid-2022. The tunnel will be around 9-10 metres in diameter, with the TBM taking around five months to complete the first bore of the twin bore tunnel. Once completed, the TBM will be extracted at the South Portal and transported by road back to the North Portal to commence the second bore. HS2 Job Opportunities This key site is managed by the BBV Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Group and VINCI Construction), who will be one of the biggest recruiters in the Midlands over the next two years, expecting to recruit some 7,000 individuals to support the delivery of Britain’s new high-speed railway. There are currently 60 workers on →
The tbm will dig under long itchington wood in Warwickshire
The TBM will dig under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire, creating a 1-mile twin bore tunnel, before the route heads north and into Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station. Current works on the 1km2 north portal site include a large and deep excavation, with 250,000m3 of material being removed in layers before being transported and deposited locally to form environmental embankments for the main line. The 2,000 tonne TBM,
36 • FEBRUARY 2021 • Plant Planet
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting