Construction of Britain’s new high-speed line HS2 has reached a significant milestone with the announcement that over half of the tunnelling on the line has been completed.
Two of the five twin-bore tunnels have been fully excavated and excavation is well underway at two of the other three. At its peak, construction of the railway supported over 31,000 jobs.
![Chiltern Tunnel looking south towards London. // Credit: HS2](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chiltern-Tunnel-looking-south-towards-London-2_cropped-750x422.jpg)
Nearly one-fifth or 27.4 miles of the 140-mile line will be through twin-bore tunnels, a total of 54.8 miles that have needed to be excavated.
The latest figures show that 29 of the 54.8 miles of tunnels or 53% has been excavated and built.
Each tunnel boring machine resembles an underground factory as it excavates the tunnels, lines them with pre-cast concrete segments, and grouts them into place.
On average, the machines move forward between 12 and 16 metres per day.
Once boring has been completed, other vital features of the tunnels are constructed, such as cross-passages, vent shafts, and portals, followed by installing power, track, and signalling.
![View of down-track tunnel at the South Portal Site. // Credit: HS2](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Inside-the-Chiltern-Tunnel-750x500.jpg)
In total, construction is in progress at 350 separate worksites between London and the West Midlands.
Tunnels Completed
Tunnels completed so far are the one-mile Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in Warwickshire and both bores of Chiltern Tunnel which, at ten miles long, is the longest tunnel on the route.
In Progress
Construction is in progress on the 8.4-mile-long Northolt Tunnel and the 3.5-mile-long Bromford Tunnel between Water Orton in North Warwickshire and Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
Not Yet Started
Construction has yet to start on the 4.5-mile-long Euston Tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston stations in London.
![Status of HS2 tunnelling. // Credit: HS2](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/HS2s-TBM-tracker-infographic-1269x720.jpg)
Reaching this impressive milestone on a project of HS2’s scale shows just how much momentum is behind construction of the line, which, once complete, will have a transformative impact on rail travel for generations to come.
It’s a significant achievement for the team helping deliver this railway and I’m delighted the project has now supported record numbers of new jobs, demonstrating the vital role it is playing in creating opportunities up and down the country.
Huw Merriman, Rail Minister
Responses
We simply haven’t moved on since Dick Whittington …
Everyone still believes London can provide them with a better future , that is it is because they think they can share in the wealth of the city…
Wake up ! The City is the 1% club they aren’t going to move jobs , funds , and resources to the North they culturally and politically wouldn’t be able to control…
Fair play to Sir Jim Ratcliffe he has the right ideas but, seriously never think the Equal up strategy is more than words …
Can you honestly say that in any of your towns you have seen an influx of any pinstripes and bowlers fresh from Whitehall taking residence…Lol
HS2 should have been started in the North and built towards London. Levelling up !! . I don’t think so. London gets all the wealth projects and there are more than enough railway stations, tracks and routes out.
You’re on the money there Clive