Pre-cast concrete segments for tunnels on HS2 are being manufactured at a new state-of-the-art factory in Hartlepool and being delivered by rail to the HS2 Northolt Tunnel construction sites.

The segments are being manufactured by STRABAG at what was an oil-rig fabrication site and the HS2 contract has helped create over 100 jobs.

Freight trains operated by Freightliner each carry up to 20 segment rings which build 38 metres of tunnel. Trains will run six times a week, and each train journey takes seven hours and removes 40 lorries from the UK’s road network.

STRABAG will also supply segments for HS2’s Euston tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston, with over 83,000 precast tunnel segments being produced for both the Northolt Tunnel East and Euston Tunnels. Each ring weighs seven tonnes, has an 8.8m outside diameter, and is 35 centimetres thick.

HS2’s London tunnels contractor is Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), and the segments will be delivered to its London Logistics Hub near to Willesden Junction, from where the segments will be transported to Victoria Road Crossover Box in Acton for use in constructing the 3.4-mile Northolt Tunnel East.

Malcolm Codling, Project Client Director for HS2 Ltd, said: “As we prepare for the next set of tunnel drives in London, the start of deliveries of these vital parts is a further sign of momentum in the construction of HS2, building between London and the West Midlands.

“STRABAG’s investment in Hartlepool is an example of how HS2 is benefiting the UK economy. Reinstating the rail head demonstrates a commitment to a long term future for the factory, and supports HS2’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through construction.”

Simon Wild, Managing Director of STRABAG UK, said: “Following on from our multi-million pound investment into Hartlepool, we’re delighted to see the first trains leaving for London. The direct access from the factory to the rail network is a huge location advantage that enables us to reduce the number of journeys by lorry and carbon emissions.”

James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska, Costain, STRABAG joint venture, said: “The first delivery of tunnel segments from Hartlepool prepares us for a great year of delivery in 2024 on the HS2 London Tunnels project. From January our two newest TBMs, Emily and Anne, will use the segments to construct the eastern section of the Northolt Tunnel.

“By using rail to move 83,000 tunnel segments, we will reduce road congestion, cut CO2 emissions by 76 per cent and pave the way to a greener, cleaner future.”

Ed Wilson, Commercial Director- Heavy Haul, Freightliner, said: “We are proud to be able to support STRABAG and HS2 in moving these essential tunnel components by rail to reduce carbon emissions and keep lorries off our busy roads. We pride ourselves on delivering tailor-made solutions which help enhance supply chain performance across a wide range of sectors.”