Tunnelling works set to start from Water Orton
Work item: HS2-MW-BBV-Ph1-Ar-No-N1-Prog-works-02-08/06/2023
Work Item Summary
- Project Phase
- Phase 1
- Region
- Warwickshire, West Midlands
- Location
- Bromford, Water Orton
- Contractor
- BBV JV
- Type of works
- Tunnelling
- Estimated Start Date
- 03/06/2024
- Estimated End Date
- 31/12/2025
What we are doing
Final checks and preparations are underway for the operational launch of the Midlands’ second tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will be used to construct Bromford Tunnel.
The next phase follows the successful completion of the region’s first tunnel in Long Itchington, South Warwickshire. The TBM will bore 3.5 miles of the twin-bore tunnel between Water Orton in North Warwickshire and Washwood Heath in Birmingham. A further TBM is expected to launch in early 2024, with the two TBM’s creating a combined length of 7 miles.
What is a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
A TBM is a large piece of equipment with a cutting disc the diameter of the tunnel being created. In this case it will be bored at a diameter of 8.6m and then lined with concrete sections. This large disc is turned to cut through the ground in much the same way that a DIY drill makes a hole. Slurry is used to lubricate the cutting. This means that the excavated material, or spoil, can be pumped from the cutting face out of the tunnel. The material is then de-watered at the slurry treatment plant (STP) before the dry material, or cake, is then either used locally or stockpiled for use elsewhere on the project.
Download information relating to these works
Find out more about
If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email [email protected]