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HS2 celebrates final Birmingham tunnel breakthrough

This morning at Washwood Heath the125-m-long TBM Elizabeth - launched in March 2024, near the Warwickshire village of Water Orton - brokethrough the 3.5-mile-long Bromford tunnel marking the completion of major tunnel excavation between London’s Old Oak Common and the West Midlands. More Information

HS2 lifts third giant TBM in London after 5.47 km (3.4-mile) underground journey

On Saturday 26th July, the team working on the HS2 project lifted the TBM Emily's 9.11m diameter cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighing 880 t, using a large gantry crane, at the Green Park ... More Information

HS2 completes excavation of the Norton tunnel under London

HS2 completes excavation of the Norton tunnel under London

Excavation of the  twin-bore Northolt tunnel between West Ruislip at the outer edge of the capital and the new Old Oak Common super-hub station in west London has been completed. On 26th June ... More Information

Press release - Third HS2 tunnelling machine completes its drive beneath London

Press release - Third HS2 tunnelling machine completes its drive beneath London

HS2’s tunnelling team in London is one step closer to completing the capital’s Northolt Tunnel after the latest in a series of complex tunnelling breakthroughs. The tunnel boring ... More Information

The giant HS2 TBM Mary Ann to be given a new lease of life

After completing the 3.5-mile (5.8km) mission to excavate the first section of the Bromford tunnel, linking North Warwickshire and Birmingham, HS2’s giant TBM Mary Ann is being stripped down ... More Information

HS2 lifts TBM Caroline from below ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford

HS2 lifts TBM Caroline  from below ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford

On Sunday 25th May, engineers working on the HS2 project lifted the TBM's 9.48 metre diameter cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighing 850 tonnes, using a large gantry crane. The tunnelling ... More Information

HS2 celebrates first Birmingham tunnel breakthrough

HS2’s giant TBM Mary Ann broke through on 9th, May 2025, marking the end of her mission to excavate the first bore of what will soon become the longest railway tunnel in the West ... More Information

HS2 - Second TBM completes the western section of Northolt tunnel

On 3rd April 2025 HS2 has completed a 5-mile tunnel drive under London – using one of four TBMs being deployed to build the railway’s Northolt tunnel. The TBM named Caroline, is the ... More Information

HS2 TBM Sushila removed following Northolt tunnel excavation

HS2 TBM Sushila removed following Northolt tunnel excavation

Following its 8 km (5-mile) drive underneath the capital, HS2 lifted TBM Sushila out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London.    The cutterhead, ... More Information

HS2 - Construction milestone at Long Itchington Wood Tunnel

HS2 has announced a significant milestone at Long Itchington Wood tunnel in Warwickshire – the first deep tunnel on the high-speed route to complete its civil engineering ... More Information

HS2 Construction Update - 2025

Click here for the 2025 project update which highlights the progress across 350 worksites between London and the West Midlands and it provides a snapshot of the huge progress HS2 is making ... More Information

HS2 - TBM Sushila completes its 8.04 km excavation of Northolt tunnel

HS2 - TBM Sushila completes its 8.04 km excavation of Northolt tunnel

On 19th December 2024,  TBM Sushila - which is 160-m in length, with a cutterhead of 9.84 m in diameters and a weight of 2,050 t, reached Green Park Way vent shaft in Ealing, breaking through ... More Information

HS2 reaches halfway point on key ‘green tunnel’

Press Release - Construction of the 700-metre-long HS2 Burton Green ‘green tunnel’ is now 50% complete, with 150 people supporting the build process The last year has seen completion of ... More Information

Renewed funding for HS2 project

Press release - In the latest 2024 UK budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has allocated renewed funding for the HS2 project, specifically prioritizing the development of its tunnel network. This ... More Information

HS2’s tunnelling into Birmingham reaches halfway point

The construction of HS2’s gateway to Birmingham takes a leap forward as the huge 125-m-long TBM digging the first bore of the Bromford tunnel reaches the halfway point.  The 1,600 t ... More Information

PRESS RELEASE - We’re half way there! HS2’s Northolt Tunnel under the capital is 50% complete

PRESS RELEASE - We’re half way there! HS2’s Northolt Tunnel under the capital is 50% complete

Quartet of tunnelling machines boring the Northolt Tunnel between West Ruislip and Old Oak Common station have built half of the tunnel New video and images shows the unstoppable momentum of the ... 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

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Tunnelling News

MMRDA plans 70-km underground tunnel road network across Mumbai

The project, being prepared in phases, will enhance multi-level connectivity and ease commuting. By KAILASH BABAR · Google preferences in ET Follow us ... More Information

Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway achieves 43.3% progress

The total length of the seven tunnels under the project is 10.979 km. ... Construction progress for the Chandram Bhir tunnel. (2,250 metres) has ... More Information

MMRDA plans 70-km underground tunnel road network across Mumbai

The project, being prepared in phases, will enhance multi-level connectivity and ease commuting. By KAILASH BABAR · Google preferences in ET Follow us ... More Information

Hong Kong: Robotics And AI Enhance Tunnel Construction

It is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation to advance the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project. These ... More Information

Single-Bore Tunnel Method Chosen for BART Silicon Valley Phase II

This decision allows VTA to advance project design towards 60%, stay on a critical path to tunnel construction and meet the projected revenue service ... More Information

Boring Co. begins 'controlled blasting' for Nashville tunnel at TN capitol

The Boring Co. has started excavation work at a state-owned parking lot on Rose Parks Boulevard for the Music City Loop project Wednesday, Aug. 13, ... More Information

TBM arrives in Montreal for delayed metro extension project

A custom-built tunnel boring machine (TBM) has arrived in Canada for use on a 6km extension of the Montreal Metro... More Information

Spain Confirms Feasibility of €8.5 Billion Morocco-Europe Tunnel

The study was conducted by German company Herrenknecht, the world leader in tunnel boring machines, at the request of the Spanish government's ... More Information

TxDOT spends $748M to burrow bus-size tunnels under Central Austin

The first tunnel boring machine will be deployed near ... Industry experts say tunnel boring machines typically advance about 50 feet per day. More Information

6 TBMs on Duty on the 27-Kilometer Line in Körfezray

Two of the six Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that will serve in the first 27-kilometer phase are actively excavating tunnels, while the ... More Information

Construction on HS2's Euston tunnel will start 'fairly soon', says rail minister

Construction on the HS2 tunnel from Old Oak Common station to Euston station will start “fairly soon”, the rail minister has said... More Information

Blue Line Extension TBM Arrives at Port of Montreal

Railway Track and Structures Construction site of the future Vertières station (Pie-IX) in June 2025. Caption and photo courtesy of STM. MONTREAL - The tunnel boring machine (TBM) ... More Information

Tunnel break through milestone for Mt Messenger Bypass project

A 110 tonne excavating machine, called Hinetūparimaunga, has broken through at the northern end of the project's 235 metre-long tunnel ... More Information

$3.9 billion tunnel and bridge link for VA

Costing around $3.9 billion, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) upgrade Expansion project for Virginia will improve traffic flow for a key ... More Information

Extended North Tunnel Flood Mitigation Project Receives $18.2 Million in State Funding

The funding advanced by the board includes a $17.2 million loan and $1 million grant for the construction of the mile-long tunnel, which will divert ... More Information

Gateway Project faces new uncertainty amid government shutdown

Federal funding for the $16B Hudson Tunnel Project, aka Gateway, has been paused during the government shutdown, sparking political backlash. More Information

Tunnel Boring Machine Emily Passes Key Factory Test for DC Water Potomac River Tunnel Project

Tunnel boring machine (TBM), Emily. This test confirms that Emily is ready to begin excavating the southern leg of the Potomac River Tunnel — a ... More Information

Sydney Metro West achieves world-first in tunnelling technology

Sydney Metro West has achieved a world-first in tunnel construction with a Lining Erector Machine (LEM) successfully being used to line the mined ... More Information

Gateway construction continues despite Trump's claim of termination

Tutor Perini, the general contractor on the Manhattan Tunnel Project, confirmed construction activity is currently continuing as planned... More Information

Tunnelling complete for Annacis water supply project

Metro Vancouver has completed the tunnelling phase of the $450 million Annacis Water Supply Tunnel, which will complete in 2028... More Information

Santa Clara VTA confirms single tunnel plan for BART extension

With VTA now owning the tunnel boring machine, the agency assumes full responsibility for its performance, agency officials said. To manage the risk, ... More Information

Chennai: Tunnel Boring Machine Vaigai achieves breakthrough at Mandaveli Metro Station

CHENNAI: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) on Saturday achieved a major milestone in Phase II tunnelling works, as Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ... More Information

Trump 'terminates' $16 billion Hudson River tunnel project linking N.J. and N.Y.C.

President Trump said funding for the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project is "terminated" at a press conference. New Jersey officials said they will ... More Information

$676 million underwater tunnel for India

The project is expected to cost around $676 million, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) having now been completed. India's road transport network is ... More Information

€1.4 billion Belgian tunnel project approved

The first phase of the €1.4 billion project for Belgium’s new Limburg Noord-Zuid link has been approved. Construction should commence in 2027 on the project, which will form a section of ... More Information

Tunnel boring machine S-639B achieves breakthrough under Kanpur Metro Phase I Project

The package KNPCC-06 involves design and construction of a tunnel through TBM, cut and cover tunnel, underground ramp from Kanpur Central end of ... More Information

Lawmakers propose construction of undersea tunnel to link Luzon and Visayas

Several lawmakers from the Visayas region are proposing the construction of an underground tunnel that will serve as a permanent land connection ... More Information

Oman-UAE rail project hits major milestone with start of tunnel excavation

Tunnel excavation has begun in Oman's Al Hajar Mountains, marking a major milestone for the cross-border Oman-UAE Railway... More Information

Engineering the depths: innovative tunnelling for hydropower projects

Major schemes in Austria, China, and Germany are applying advanced underground construction techniques for hydropower projects. More Information

New tunnel, new standard: Silvertown project showcases innovation in surface protection

Originally approved in 2018, construction of the tunnel began in March 2021. In September 2023, following the completion of tunnelling works, ... More Information

Metro Manila Subway Project: DOTr launches third tunnel boring machine

Dubai: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched a third tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), ... More Information

Skanska JV wraps up $450M Baltimore tunnel nearly 2 years early

A joint venture has reached substantial completion on the $450 million Howard Street Tunnel Project in Baltimore nearly two years ahead of the original completion date, according to a ... More Information

Work continues on NYC megaprojects, despite $18B federal funding pause

Contractors on two of New York City’s largest infrastructure projects will keep digging, but they might glance over their shoulders toward Washington... More Information

HS2 Chipping Warden tunnel project moves step forward

HS2 Ltd An aerial view of the HS2 tunnel construction at Chipping Warden. A road HS2 Ltd. The 1.55 mile (2.5km) Chipping Warden tunnel will be ... More Information

First of three Tunnel boring machines on way to SA as beams go up for tram overpass

The first of three tunnel boring machines that will be used to complete the northern and southern tunnels project is on its way to SA as part of a ... More Information

Chennai Metro Rail's TBMs to begin tunneling between Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar

Chennai Metro Rail begins tunnelling work in challenging stretch for phase II project, facing obstacles due to hard rock... More Information

Custom lifting gantry aids TBM removal - Construction Briefing

The four TBMs excavated the 8.4 mile (14 km) Northolt Tunnel section. Two went in each way, digging a pair of tunnels from both ends towards each ... More Information

Tunnel construction begins on Barskoon — Bedel road in Issyk-Kul region

According to the project, two tunnels, 5,340 and 3,840 meters long, respectively, will be built at Sook and Ashuu-Suu passes. They will be among the ... More Information

China debuts world's mightiest centrifuge, unleashing ultra-intense gravity

China leads the way in shield tunnelling machine development · Shield machine of south line of Yellow River tunnel starts boring in Jinan · A close ... More Information