Our Align joint venture team has drawn on the expertise of our McAlpine Lifting Solutions (MLS) colleagues to help overcome the logistical challenge of assembling the giant tunnel boring machines that will be used on HS2.

McAlpine Lifting Solution’s input includes providing technical advice on the selection of suitable cranes to support each stage of the assembly works for the two tunnel boring machines that will be used create the 16km Chiltern Tunnels section.

The giant tunnelling machines are each around 120m long and incorporate components weighing in at up to 205 tonnes and measuring up to 10m in diameter and 20m in length.

MLS has also implemented and set-up safe systems of work during enabling phases for a number of the small to medium sized contractors involved.

For this the team created hazard analysis and risk assessments for numerous pieces of lifting equipment.

Works have also included the review and sign-off of lifting operations for the set-up of welfare units and site power supply for the enabling works contracts.

Evation on cutter head for the HS2

It is really good to engage with our Joint Venture partners in order to demonstrate the specialist skillset within McAlpine Lifting Solutions. It was even better to deliver our promises.

Craig Hook, Head of McAlpine Lifting Solutions

Latest Infrastructure news

Unique HS2 tunnel portal completed
25 Apr 2025

Our Align JV builds tunnel extensions for HS2 to stop sonic booms from 200mph trains entering the 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel.

Read more about
A19 Tees Viaduct project scoops Bridges award
31 Mar 2025

The A19 project team wins the Ethos award for excellence in wellbeing, training, and community engagement.

Read more about
Stamp it Out briefing
24 Mar 2025

The Stamp it Out briefing, chaired by our Managing Director of Transport, Vip Gandhi, along with Safer Highways CEO, Kevin Robinson, received a ministerial seal of approval at a special Summit held in London

Read more about