Our Align JV is counting down to the launch of HS2's first tunnelling machines - Florence and Cecilia.
The project’s first two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) – named Florence and Cecilia - are due to launch in early summer. Each of the 170m long, 2,000 tonne machines will spend more than 3 years underground, digging and slotting the wall segments into place to create the 10 mile long tunnels.
Made of high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete, the segments are being produced at a temporary pre-cast factory next to the TBM launch pads at what will be the south portal of the tunnels. This will avoid putting extra HGVs on local roads and ensure a steady supply of segments for the TBMs.
Construction of the Chilterns tunnel, and nearby Colne Valley Viaduct, is being led by HS2’s main works contractor, Align JV - a joint venture made up of three companies: Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Work on the two structures will support around 1,200 jobs.
Once construction is complete, the pre-cast factory and the rest of the south portal site, will be cleared, with the chalk excavated from the tunnels used to landscape the site and create high quality chalk grassland and other wildlife habitats.
Our Align JV began work this week on the UK’s longest railway bridge, with an expert team of ground engineers sinking the first of almost 300 piles that will form the foundations for the Colne Valley Viaduct.
HS2’s first two giant Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), named Florence and Cecilia, have arrived in the UK. Work on the project’s first tunnels, which are being constructed by our Align joint venture, starts early next year.
Preparations continue at South Portal site for the arrival of the project’s giant tunnelling machines.
