15th Jul 2019

Overcoming logistical challenges on HS2 project

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.

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

Craig Hook, Head of McAlpine Lifting Solutions


  • McAlpine Lifting Solutions

    Our in-house McAlpine Lifting Solutions team can help you with complete lifting, access and logistics solutions.

    Find out more

Latest Infrastructure news

  1. Construction of Britain’s longest rail bridge completed

    11 Sept 2025

    Our Align JV has completed civil engineering works on HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct

    Read more about
  2. Significant HS2 milestone as Chiltern Tunnel complete

    07 Aug 2025

    The construction of the 10-mile tunnel by our Align JV finishes ahead of schedule

    Read more about
  3. Colne Valley Viaduct scoops two NCE Bridges awards

    05 Aug 2025

    Iconic structure forms part of the HS2 project being constructed by our Align JV

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. Hexham honoured with national excellence award

    11 Nov 2025

    The upgrade of Hexham Hospital delivered by IHP came out on top at the Constructing Excellence National Awards.

    Read more about
  2. Remembrance Day

    10 Nov 2025

    This Remembrance Day, we reflect on the contributions of our team members with military backgrounds, celebrating the resilience, leadership, and values they bring to our company.

    Read more about
  3. Our commitment to the Armed Forces community recognised

    07 Nov 2025

    We were formally awarded our Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award at an event at the Honourable Artillery Company in London

    Read more about
View all news