Riverlinx CJV - the construction joint venture of Ferrovial Construction, BAM Nuttall and SK ecoplant working on behalf of Transport for London - completed construction works for the connections between the open cut approaches and the tunnelling section of the Silvertown Tunnel. 

The final transition section of the tunnel was cast in Silvertown on 11 April 2024, completing the work to connect both Northbound and Southbound tunnel structures from the Silvertown portal to the Greenwich portal. A complete transformation of the tunnel shape was needed to connect the circular TBM-constructed tunnel to the in situ concrete arch shaped Cut & Cover tunnels. 

To construct the four transitions, a self-propelled, self-erecting formwork was used, nicknamed “The Crab”. This 70 t tracked structure was moved into position and folded out to create the unique shape using hydraulic rams. The Crab then acts as a temporary structure for the installation of steel reinforcement before concrete is placed and allowed to cure. Once the concrete has cured enough to be self-supporting, the machine folds the shutters inward for transport through the bored tunnel to the next transition location. 

The project is now moving towards the completion of the final stages, and remains on track for the new tunnel to open in 2025. 

For more information, please click here and uk/77 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.riverlinx.co.uk. 21/24.