Names revealed for next two TBM’s to be used on HS2 project
HS2 Ltd has unveiled the names of the next pair of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will construct the high speed rail line under London. Following a public vote, the names Emily and Anne have been chosen, named after local female icons from history.
Major components of the first machine due to launch have now been lifted into the 25 m (82 ft) deep ancillary shaft at the HS2 site in Ealing to prepare for the launch. HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, Skanksa Costain STRABAG joint venture completed the lift as they prepare for the next stage of tunneling under the capital.
The first TBM lowered into the shaft has been named after Emily Sophia Taylor who lived between 1872 and 1956. Emily was a midwife who provided services for women who could not afford maternity care. She helped establish the Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937 before becoming Ealing’s first female mayor in 1938.
The second TBM’s namesake is Lady Anne Byron, an educational reformer and philanthropist who lived between 1792 and 1860. She established the Ealing Grove School in 1834 – England’s first co-operative school which provided education for the working classes, in an era when it was mainly for the wealthy.
The two TBMs were manufactured by Herrenknecht in Germany, and weigh 1.7 kt (1,873 st) each. After being lowered underground into the launch chambers in pieces, they will be reassembled. Each part of the TBM is lifted using a crane, including the 316-t (348-st) front shield and 336-t (370-st) middle shield. Eight back gantries for each machine will also be lifted into place to provide all the systems required for the tunnelling operations underground.
Speaking about the preparations for the next set of TBMs to be launched in London, Richard Crathern, Head of Delivery for HS2 Ltd said, “We are proud that the TBMs have been given names from women with a connection to the local area who made a difference to previous generations of young people. This next set of TBMs will be contributing to important infrastructure for generations to come as they build Britian’s new high speed railway.”
The machines are earth pressure balance TBMs, designed specifically for the soft ground conditions, specifically London clay.
The machines will begin the 5.6 km (3.4 mile) journey at the start of 2024, travelling under Ealing from the Victoria Road site toward Greenpark Way in Greenford, taking around one year to complete the journey. At Greenpark Way, the machines will be disassembled and removed via another 35 m (114 ft) deep shaft.
“The London Tunnels programme is reaching its peak delivery stage and we’re excited to name our next two TBMs, Emily and Anne,” James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanksa Costain STRABAG joint venture, said in a statement. “They will join our first two TBMs, Sushila and Caroline, who are already one year into constructing the section of tunnel between West Ruislip and Victoria Road.
“We are well on the way to delivering the high speed tunnels into London. Next year we’ll be assembling our final two TBMs that will tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston.”
This section of tunneling will complete the 13.5 km (8.4mile) long Northolt tunnel. The tunnel is being built in two sections. Two TBMs are already boring the western end of the tunnel beginning in West Ruislip working towards Greenford with almost two miles completed so far. The two new TBMs will bore the eastern section. The final section of tunnel from Victoria Road Crossover Box to connect to Old Oak Common Station will be constructed using spray concrete lining.
Before the launch of the TBMs, a blessing ceremony conducted by a local priest will be held – a longstanding tunneling tradition. A statue of St Barbara, the Patron Saint of tunneling, will be blessed and placed at the entrance of the tunnel.
