McAlpine lifting solutions team tackles hs2 challenge

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.

Latest Infrastructure news

Financial Results 2024-25

01 May 2026

Read our Annual Report & Accounts for the financial year 2024-25

HS2 completes civil engineering works on longest tunnel

23 Jan 2026

The close of work on the tunnel's vent shafts brings an end to a project our Align JV began almost five years ago

Celebrating success and sustainable engineering excellence

23 Dec 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we explore key milestones, partnerships, innovative solutions and award-winning projects shaping the future of sustainable engineering and construction.

SRM partners with Bridgit

13 May 2026

The strategic partnership equips Sir Robert McAlpine with cutting edge AI technology to address the growing need for proactive people planning across complex construction programmes