Strabag UK, a civils contractor, has achieved an astounding feat in Yorkshire, setting a new world record for the longest single tunnel boring machine drive. Their groundbreaking achievement occurred in the potash mine project nestled beneath the scenic Yorkshire moors.
Employing 450 dedicated staff directly on the project, Strabag's team reached an impressive 25.8 kilometers within the Woodsmith project near Whitby. This significant milestone marks the construction of a conveyor tunnel for a mineral transport system that will transport vast quantities of polyhalite from beneath the North York Moors National Park to the coast, enabling global shipment of this essential fertiliser material.
Utilizing a single hard rock Herrenknecht TBM since June 2019, Strabag UK has been diligently carving a 37-kilometer tunnel with an internal diameter of 4.9 meters under the North York Moors National Park. This exceptional endeavor surpasses the previous record set by a water conveyance tunnel project in the Middle East, also executed using a Herrenknecht tunnel boring machine.
Upon completion, Strabag anticipates Guinness World Records confirmation for their remarkable accomplishment on the Anglo American-funded project. Moreover, the contractor's commitment to the local community shines through the direct employment of 450 staff, with 75% hailing from Teesside. They've also prioritized collaborations with regional construction partners and suppliers, fostering additional job opportunities within the area.
Simon Wild, Managing Director for Strabag UK, expressed immense pride in the Woodsmith project team, emphasizing the significance of surpassing the current world record for a single bored tunnel drive. Wild highlighted this achievement as a testament to Strabag's expanding footprint in the north-east of England and the UK, showcasing their pioneering expertise in the industry. For further information please visit the tunnelbuilder archive and click uk/97.
