Herrenknecht are constructing the two tunnel boring machines (TBMs), which are scheduled to be delivered onsite in the UK by the end of 2021.
The London tunnels for HS2 are twin bored, and will be 13 miles (20.9 km) each way, with a combined total of 26 miles (41.8 km).
The program of tunnelling between central London and the M25 will be undertaken by SCS JV; overall, there will be 10 TBMs purchased to construct the 64 miles (103 km) of tunnelling along the HS2 route between the West Midlands and London.
“As the construction partner responsible for the majority of tunnels on the HS2 project, our contract for the first two TBMs is a major milestone for us,” said STRABAG JV Managing Director James Richardson.
“This partnership with Herrenknecht has brought together leading expertise in both our organisations and together we are constructing some of the most advanced TBMs in the world to efficiently drive the tunnels under London.”
Once underground, the TBMs will run for 22 months nonstop.
For more information visit the HS2 website.
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