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HS2’s Northolt Tunnel is 50% complete

The joint Venture formed of Skanska, Costain and STRABAG (SCS) are celebrating completing half of the 13.52 km (8.4-mile) Northolt tunnel.  The Northolt tunnel will be used by high-speed ... More Information

HS2 Updates

HS2 Updates

Chiltern tunnel TBMs dismantled - The Dismantling of the two Herrenknecht TBMs - 170m long and weighed 2,000 t - that built HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd’s Chiltern Tunnel have now been ... More Information

HS2 launches fourth TBM under London building the Northolt Tunnel

HS2 launches fourth TBM under London building the Northolt Tunnel

On April 8th, 2024 construction of the new HS2 line has hit another major milestone with the launch of the fourth – and final – machine being used to build the Northolt tunnel, length ... More Information

Final breakthrough for the Chiltern tunnel, HS2’s longest tunnel

Final breakthrough for the Chiltern tunnel,  HS2’s longest tunnel

Cecilia, the second 2000 t TBM, reached northern portal of 16.09 km (10 mile) high-speed rail tunnel under Chiltern Hills completing a journey that began in June 2021: click here for the ... More Information

The last HS2 TBM in the West Midlands starts digging towards Birmingham

The last HS2 TBM in the West Midlands starts digging towards Birmingham

On 05 March 2024 HS2 launched the last TBM to dig tunnels for the new high speed railway in the West Midlands. The 1,600 t weight and 125 m long TBM has started on its journey to dig the second bore ... More Information

Historic breakthrough for HS2’s longest tunnel

Historic breakthrough for HS2’s longest tunnel

HS2’s first giant TBM – which launched almost 3 years ago – broke through on 27 February at the end of her 16 km (10-mile) journey under the Chilterns, excavating the longest ... More Information

HS2 launches third TBM under capital building the Northolt Tunnel

On 25th February HS2’s London tunnels programme passed a major milestone as the third TBM being used as part of the project was launched.  TBM Emily, named after Emily Sophia Taylor who ... More Information

Small businesses win big with £millions more HS2 orders

Press release - Britain’s biggest construction project, HS2, is helping the UK’s small business community to thrive. New figures show HS2’s civils contractors doubled their total ... More Information

Press release - Completion of HS2 logistics tunnel paves the way for high-speed line to Euston

Press release - Completion of HS2 logistics tunnel paves the way for high-speed line to Euston

HS2 today (Tuesday 23rd January) celebrated the breakthrough of a tunnelling machine into its underground Old Oak Common station – marking a key milestone in plans to eventually carry the ... More Information

HS2 on track for pivotal 12 months as high-speed railway takes shape

Press release - HS2 is preparing to enter a critical new phase with the development of state-of-the-art rail systems that will allow passengers to enjoy some of the world’s most reliable ... More Information

Press release - Second giant HS2 tunnel boring machine gets ready to start digging under Birmingham

Press release - Second giant HS2 tunnel boring machine gets ready to start digging under Birmingham

A team of 90 specialist engineers have completed the assembly of HS2’s giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) which will start digging the second bore of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel into ... More Information

HS2: Half of Chiltern tunnel cross-passage mining complete

The construction of the HS2’s longest tunnel - stretching for 16.09 km (10 miles) under the Chilterns - passed a key milestone this week with mining completed for 19 out of 38 emergency ... More Information

TBM Anne lowered into launch chamber

On 17 November, 2023 the Skanska Costain Strabag Joint Venture completed the final lift of major TBM Anne components into the huge launch chamber in West London, under the lights of ... More Information

Lift off! HS2’s latest London tunnelling machine assembled 25 metres below ground

Press release - We've unveiled the names of the next pair of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will construct the high speed rail line under the capital. Following a public vote, the names Emily ... More Information

HS2 – Latest Green Tunnel

HS2 – Latest Green Tunnel

HS2 has begun assembling the project’s longest ‘green tunnel’ - designed to blend the high speed railway into the rural landscape and reduce disruption for communities around ... More Information

HS2 opens TBM naming competition

HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd is asking the public to choose names for the next two TBMs that will be launched in early 2024 to dig the Northolt Tunnel East travelling through Brent and Ealing. The TBMs ... More Information

HS2’s Tunnel progress - TBMs Florence and Cecilia reached Little Missenden

HS2’s Tunnel progress - TBMs Florence and Cecilia reached Little Missenden

Last week on August 8th, 2023 the giant TBMs reached the Little Missenden ventilation shaft, passing the fourth of five ventilation and emergency access shafts, 75% of the way through the 16 km (10 ... More Information

HS2 tunnelling in the capital passes the first Milestone

HS2’s first two TBMs in London, Sushila and Caroline, have completed the 1.6 km (first mile ) of the twin-bored Northolt tunnel  in the capital.  Since launch in November 2022, the ... More Information

Experienced TBM Fitters wanted - North West London

Experienced TBM Fitters wanted - North West London

Tunnelcraft are recruiting experienced TBM Fitters for one of their prestigious long running HS2 projects in Northwest London. Competitive rates paid plus accommodation. Candidates are to possess ... More Information

HS2 unveils huge tunnel boring machine ready to dig HS2’s Bromford Tunnel in the West Midlands

HS2 unveils huge tunnel boring machine ready to dig HS2’s Bromford Tunnel in the West Midlands

The first images have been revealed of the huge tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will dig HS2’s Bromford Tunnel, between Water Orton in North Warwickshire and Washwood Heath in ... More Information

HS2’s multi-billion-pound boost for UK businesses

HS2’s construction is helping to keep over 2,000 UK businesses afloat as they continue to tackle difficult economic conditions. Latest figures from HS2 show that tier two subcontracts ... More Information

HS2 launches third tunnelling machine in London

HS2 launches third tunnelling machine in London

HS2 has once again begun tunnelling under the capital, launching its third giant Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in London. The tunnel won’t be used by HS2 trains, but instead will be used to ... More Information

HS2 tunnelling team celebrate milestone TBM breakthrough in Warwickshire

HS2 tunnelling team celebrate milestone TBM breakthrough in Warwickshire

Press release - Today [Thursday 30 March] HS2’s tunnelling team in Warwickshire celebrated the milestone breakthrough of tunnel boring machine ‘Dorothy’ as the giant cutterhead ... More Information

High Speed Two: Euston

Press release - The government should use the two-year pause on new construction work at HS2 Euston to develop a design that is affordable, deliverable and value for money, according to a new ... More Information

Press Release - HS2 reveals final design for last of seven key Chiltern Tunnel structures

Press Release - HS2 reveals final design for last of seven key Chiltern Tunnel structures

HS2 have revealed the final designs for the North Portal of the Chiltern Tunnel – the last of seven key structures for the high speed rail project’s longest tunnels. Once construction ... More Information

HS2 update

The UK government has announced a two-year delay to the construction of sections of HS2, the high-speed railway connecting London and the West Midlands, citing increased project costs and ... More Information

HS2 celebrates as longest tunnels reach halfway point under the Chilterns

On 01 February HS2 Ltd confirmed that Florence and Cecilia, the two giant TBMs driving the HS2 high speed rail project’s longest tunnels, have passed the halfway point of the 16 km (10 ... More Information

Undergraduates offered paid summer placements on HS2

University students who live, or study, in the Midlands are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) on an eight-week paid work placement this ... More Information

HS2 celebrates launch of TBM for second tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood UK

HS2 celebrates launch of TBM for second tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood UK

Press release - HS2 Ltd’s 125 metre-long ‘Dorothy’ tunnel boring machine has launched for her second one-mile tunnel bore under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire, marking the ... More Information

The second of HS2's TBM sets off underneath the capital

On 27 October 2022 HS2 Ltd launched their fifth TBM Caroline, that will be constructing tunnels for the HS2 railway through London. HS2’s first London TBM Sushila - started on the 06 October ... More Information

HS2 Chiltern tunnel – ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ reach 4 mile point at Chalfont St Giles

HS2 Chiltern tunnel – ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ reach 4 mile point at Chalfont St Giles

Press Release - Two enormous 2,000 tonne tunnelling machines digging HS2’s longest tunnels passed the second of five ventilation shafts this week, 4 miles into their 10 mile drive under the ... More Information

Giant HS2 TBM cutterhead’s impressive journey back to start second dig in Warwickshire

After HS2’s first tunnel breakthrough by TBM Dorothy at the south portal site in July this year, the front part of the TBM has been dismantled and transported back to the tunnel’s ... More Information

HS2 completes first tunnel cross passages

Press release - As the TBMs Florence and Cecilia under the Chilterns approach the 6.5km (4-mile) mark, HS2 completed the first of 38 bypasses - to be used in emergencies - between the northbound and ... More Information

Press release -HS2 celebrates historic first tunnelling breakthrough

Press release -HS2 celebrates historic first tunnelling breakthrough

HS2 Ltd is today [Tuesday 26 July] celebrating the very first tunnelling breakthrough on Europe’s largest infrastructure project. A 2,000-tonne TBM named ‘Dorothy’ – after ... More Information

HS2 offers tunnelling career trial in Warwickshire

HS2 offers tunnelling career trial in Warwickshire

Press release - HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), is offering the chance to trial a new career working on the giant tunnelling machines that will bore beneath the ground ... More Information

Bramble, the first mini HS2 TBM

The site at Wormwood Scrubs is where HS2 will relocate the Stamford Brook Sewer and some utility services currently running under Old Oak Common Lane. This needs to be done in order to construct the ... More Information

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Tunnelling News

IN MEMORIAM - OLIVIER VION (1962-2024)

Through the past decades, the energy and foresight to lead the management of the ITA International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association has been in the hands of Olivier Vion, a man ... More Information

Amtrak awards construction contract for East River Tunnel rehabilitation

The $1.6 billion project calls for demolishing all existing tunnel systems down to the liner, then restoring both tubes. During the project, one tube ... More Information

Strabag in €110 million deal to equip transalpine tunnel

Austrian contractor Strabag has won a €110 million (US$120 million) to equip a transalpine tunnel linking Austria and Slovenia... More Information

19 tunnel boring machines for Manila subway set

A close-up of the tunnel boring machine head, with a diameter of 6.9 meters. ... The first cutter head of the first tunnel boring machine (TBM), named ... More Information

$16 billion Gateway Tunnel Project gets federal funding boost after years of delays

The $16.1 billion project includes a new rail tunnel linking New York and New Jersey — and is set to be open by 2035 ... More Information

Preferred bidder announced for second tunnelling contract

The global consortium of WeBuild S.p.A, GS Engineering and Construction Australia and Bouygues Construction ... Tunnel Project, North East Link ... More Information

Bechtel Picked as CM for $12.7B Single-bore BART Extension

Officials with the VTA are aiming to begin major construction and tunnelling for the $12.7-billion BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project next ... More Information

Stonehenge could be put on world heritage danger list over tunnel plan

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recommended that Stonehenge be listed as ‘World Heritage in Danger’ due to the A303 upgrade scheme and is ... More Information

World’s longest railway tunnel to reopen after a year

The tunnel closed on 10th August last year following the derailment of a freight train, and SBB has since been pushing ahead with repair work... More Information

Afcons Infrastructure Wins Bid for Thane Tunnel Project

Afcons Infrastructure secures the L1 bid for a tunnel project in Thane, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development. More Information

Kolkata Metro: D-Wall's Construction Work At Victoria Metro Station Is Advancing Swiftly

For the tunnelling work of the stretch from the Khidderpore to Park Street stretch of this Corridor, two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be deployed ... More Information

K2D Skøyen – Vækerø

Implenia has been awarded the contract for section K2D Skøyen - Vækerø, which is part of the entire Fornebu line that will be completed in 2030... More Information

Massey Tunnel replacement project hits design-build proposal stage

Tunnel replacement project has finally hit the design-and-build proposal stage. The Transportation Ministry announced Wednesday that three bid ... More Information

Barhale wins £36m East London sewer remediation

Thames Water has appointed Barhale to deliver essential remediation works on a Victorian gravity sewer as it passes above the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway in East London... More Information

Reaping Rewards From Continuous Innovation

In boring underground tunnels for Malaysia's MRTs, Gamuda developed the world's first autonomous tunnel boring machine (A-TBM), utilizing in-house ... More Information

5 of the longest tunnels in the world and how they were built

Since the invention of the tunnel boring machine in 1853, engineers have used advanced technology to drill, blast, and bore into the earth. From ... More Information

Femern - inauguration of the first tunnel element

We are pleased to announce that H.M. King Frederik X will take part in the inauguration of the first tunnel element on the construction site on 17 June. H.M. King Frederik X will arrive at ... More Information

HOCHTIEF-MURPHY Joint Venture (HMJV)

A busy first half of the year on the HOCHTIEF-MURPHY Joint Venture (HMJV) Package 5 Headhouses & M&E contract on National Grid’s LPT Phase 2... More Information

Tesla Cybertruck escorts Boring Co's Prufrock-3 tunnel boring machine

The Boring Company's Prufrock-3 tunnel boring machine (TBM) recently completed a tunnel to Giga Texas, and in true Elon Musk fashion, ... More Information

Kazakhstan’s First Automobile Tunnel and Largest Bridge to be Completed this Year

As reported by the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, Kazakhstan’s first automobile tunnel through the Shakpak Baba Pass and the country’s largest bridge over the Bukhtarma Reservoir ... More Information

HRBT Expansion Project hits big milestone, could be on track for early completion

The tunnel boring machine, known as Mary ... construction of our two new bored tunnels,” said Project Director Ryan Banas... More Information

TBMs Pass Factory Test For Lesotho Highlands Water Project

A team of engineers and tunnel experts from the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) together with consultants and contractors working on the Polihali transfer tunnel recently ... More Information

Royal Cargo opts for Goldhofer heavy transport equipment

It has also been in action moving tunnel boring machines (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway project ... machine part posed a significant challenge due ... More Information

Tunnel breakthrough on NI Water's £7.8M Portadown wastewater project

The tunnel boring machine excavated roughly 1,000m3 of material, which would have risen to 8,000m3 of spoil with a more traditional open-cut method. More Information

The Boring Company announces Cybertunnel at Tesla Texas HQ

In January, the company's latest tunnel boring machine (TBM), Prufrock 3, was first spotted near Tesla's Giga Texas. Prufrock-3 has ... More Information

How do you build tunnels and bridges underwater?

Underground construction usually uses powerful tunnel-boring machines to excavate soil directly. This machine is often called a mole for a reason. More Information

Five Huge New Construction Projects Coming To The US

A spokesperson for the project told Newsweek: "The Hudson Tunnel Project is a generational investment that is expected to create 95,000 new jobs and ... More Information

Chennai Metro Corridor 3: Adyar River Tunnel Work Hampered By Geological Setbacks

For the stretch between Greenways Road and Adyar, CMRL engaged two TBMs, 'Kauvery' and 'Adyar.' These machines were launched from Greenways Road ... More Information

French and Danish firms to build Valby 'cloudburst tunnel'

The underground tunnel will be 2,380m long and will be constructed as a drilled tunnel with an internal diameter of 3.4m. The tunnel will have the ... More Information

Howard's approved budgets include $44.9M for Ellicott City tunnel

The Howard County Council has approved a $2.4 billion operating budget for fiscal 2025, along with a $413 million capital construction budget that ... More Information

DC Water Breaks Ground On Potomac River Tunnel Project

DC Water on May 21 hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to officially commence construction activities for the Potomac River Tunnel Project... More Information

Silvertown Tunnel portal connections completed

A complete transformation of the tunnel shape was needed to connect the circular tunnel boring machine (TBM) constructed ... More Information

The $4BN Tunnel to Save Stockholm - The B1M

Above: A tunnel entrance under construction. When it completes in 2030, the $4BN project will be one of the longest road tunnel systems in the world. More Information

OHLA awarded the Gjønnes tunnel in Norway for nearly 160 million euros

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) has awarded the company the design and construction of the Gjønnes tunnel for 156 ... More Information

Utilities tunnel dug through 'challenging' ground conditions under River Tees

Main contractor Farrans Construction worked with specialist contractor Joseph Gallagher to construct the tunnel. During its five weeks of tunnelling ... More Information

China develops world's first boring and blasting machine

In a groundbreaking development, the world's first boring and blasting machine, jointly developed by Tsinghua University and China Railway Science and Industry Group, has successfully ... More Information

Tunnel boring machine wedged in hard rock, leaving Snowy 2.0 hydropower project with new issues

Tunnelling problems are plaguing the $12 billion Snowy 2.0 hydropower project, with a boring machine previously bogged in soft ground now wedged in ... More Information

Construction Complete On New High-Speed Rail Tunnel

Inside the completed Desheng Tunnel, and inset, a Chinese high-speed train. Work on the project is now complete. © China ... More Information

DC Water Breaks Ground on Potomac River Tunnel Project

The Project consists of a large-diameter deep sewer tunnel, diversion facilities, drop shafts, and support structures to capture flows from existing ... More Information