HS2 tunnelling work to major station set to begin next week

Construction work on a major HS2 link will start next week. Two tunnel-boring machines (TBMs), named Madeleine and Karen, will be launched from the eastern end of Old Oak Common Station, making their way to the Euston cavern, with the first TBM, Madeleine, expected to start the journey in the week beginning January 26.

Karen, the second TBM, is expected to follow a month later, with engineers expecting the TBMs to progress up to 150 metres a week and finally reach Euston by late June 2027.

The Euston tunnel will carry high-speed trains between Old Oak Common and Euston station, with the twin tunnels reaching depths of between 35 and 50 metres underground, reports New Civil Engineer.

Once the two TBMs' journeys conclude, the outer castings will remain part of the tunnel's structure, while the mechanical components will be dismantled and extracted.

The means to Euston involves spray-concrete-lined tunnels turning into three additional tunnels to facilitate train movement into the station.

The construction of cross passages between parallel tunnels is also expected to be included in the work, with HS2 warning local residents that they may hear groundborne noise as the TBMs move past or as the cross-passages are excavated.

However, updates will be provided.

It is hoped that the extension to Euston will improve commuter access to central London and the service capacity on the new high-speed line. The expansion is also expected to generate transport-led regeneration within the area, paving the way for thousands of new homes and employment opportunities.

Project partners also confirmed to Construction News that they will continue using rail rather than road to remove construction spoil from the Euston site when tunnelling and stations recommence.

HS2 proposed a two-phase approach to spoil transport, with the first phase using existing rail infrastructure and the second involving the installation of a new railhead.

HS2 has told a Treasury official it required approval for the first phase by the end of the financial year, and an HS2 spokesperson said the Government has now approved that phase.