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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

$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

Boring Company Launches Global Operations Control Center in Bastrop, Texas

The Boring Company has officially opened its new Global Operations Control Centre in Bastrop, Texas, the tunnelling start-up announced on X... More Information

Port of Longview Lands $35.9MM Federal Loan for Rail Expansion

Active Construction on New Hudson Tunnel Project Supporting Domestic Jobs and Economic Output ... Bridges/Tunnels, Class 1, Freight, Ports, Track ... More Information

TBM Parvati Achieves Breakthrough At Kakadeo Station Of Kanpur Metro Line 2

Brief Scope: Design and Construction of TBM Tunnel, Cut and Cover Tunnel, ramp after Double Pullia, ramps in Agriculture Depot for main line and ... More Information

Howard Street tunnel reopens ahead of schedule, boosting Baltimore's freight capacity

The Howard Street Tunnel has been reopened after being out of service since February 2025.The nearly 130-year-old tunnel extends north from Camden Yards to the Mount Royal Station and is ... More Information

Progress update on the Tunnel Boring Machine for National Grid

Following its launch in May this year, Buddug, the Eryri VIP tunnel boring machine (TBM) is making good progress digging the tunnel which will ... More Information

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Clears Major Hurdle

After months of delay, the tunnel-boring machine stuck in China is being shipped to India, clearing the path for underground construction of the ... More Information

Bright lights: This Las Vegas tunnel is getting a major upgrade

Construction is underway on Desert Inn Road between Paradise Road and Joe W Brown Drive as part of a $9.2 million improvement project on Friday, ... More Information

Panama Canal Tunnel Boring Machine Crosses Under the Canal, Marking a Milestone

Panama Canal Tunnel Boring Machine Crosses Under the Canal, Marking a Milestone on Metro Line 3. Auto-dubbed. 398 views · 6 hours ago ...more ... More Information

Major breakthrough achieved in Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train tunnel construction

Mumbai: A breakthrough was achieved for a 4.88 km-long tunnel between Shilphata and Ghansoli for the... More Information

New Austrian tunnelling method achieves milestone breakthrough in BKC-Shillphata undersea tunnel project

In a significant milestone for the ambitious undersea tunnel project between BKC and Shillphata, g Method (NATM) has ... More Information

World's Longest Railway Connection Makes Construction Breakthrough

The Brenner Base Tunnel, built deep beneath the Alps, is set to reshape freight and passenger transport across Europe... More Information

New game-changing tunnel boring, reef cutting 'meeting and beating' all expectations

UG2 reef at Bokoni is the target of the twin mobile tunnel boring and narrow reef cutter. Tunnelling will be done with the mobile tunnel borer for ... More Information

Mota-Engil CEO confirms winning bid for Santos-Guaruja tunnel

The company's subsidiary, Mota-Engil, has won the tender for the construction and operation of Brazil's first underwater tunnel, connecting the ... More Information

Metro Vancouver Utility Nearing Finish of $288M Annacis Water Tunnel

“Resilience is at the heart of this project,” said Nedim Alca, COWI's North America market director. “What makes this milestone so significant is not ... More Information

Fehmarnbelt: Danish tunnel portal nears completion

The work on the entrance to the Fehmarnbelt tunnel at Rødbyhavn on Lolland is almost complete. photo courtesy of The Fehmarnbelt Project. More Information

Final decision on airport tunnel 'now or never'

Alderman Jim Stevenson and City administrators are making a dramatic last push for the airport tunnel before construction on the new north/south ... More Information

Athens Metro Line 4 works to finish by 2029

The construction of Athens Metro Line 4 is progressing steadily, with the entire project ... Tunnel mistakenly excavated in Athens metro project. More Information

First trains on track to run through Metro Tunnel within three months

Melbourne's $15.5 billion Metro Tunnel could be switched on in as little as three months as construction wraps up at two CBD stations and trains ... More Information

Petersburg crews to begin tunnel project in response to ongoing flooding, damage - WRIC

As ongoing water issues have caused significant damage to infrastructure around Petersburg, the Old Towne neighborhood ... More Information

Intelligent optimization framework for tunnel construction

Tunnel construction forms the foundation of railway development and is essential for ensuring route continuity and operational efficiency. However, ... More Information

São Paulo positions TBM for next phase of Line 2-Green

A major milestone was reached on Monday (1 September) with the lowering of the cutter head of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Cora Coralina... More Information

The 700-ton machine that'll dig NYC's Second Avenue subway extension

NYC has a new tunnel boring machine in its toolbox for the expansion of the line under 2nd ave. If you've never seen some BIG earth moving machines, ... More Information

Light at the end of the tunnel showing for Mount Washington transit project

The project is expected to be completed in October. New tracks finally emerge from the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel as a part of Pittsburgh ... More Information