A tunnelling machine for HS2 and named ‘Caroline’ by school pupils from Brentside Primary Academy in Hanwell has set off its journey from West Ruislip to Greenford where it will be digging for the next 22 months.
Named after 18th century German-born British astronomer Caroline Herschel, the giant machine will now dig towards Greenpark way in Greenford at around 14 metres a day.
The ‘Caroline’ tunnelling machine follows ‘Sushila’, that was switched on earlier this month and is named after Greenford High School head of STEM Sushila Hirani.
HS2’s Civils Delivery Director, Mike Lyons, said: “HS2’s construction continues to gather pace, and the launch of the fifth Tunnel Boring Machine on HS2 is another significant moment for Britain’s number one levelling-up project. Creating jobs and contracts for businesses today, HS2 is an investment in Britain’s economic growth now and for generations of rail passengers to come.”
Once ‘Caroline’ and ‘Sushila’ reach their destination at Greenpark Way, they will be dismantled and extracted from a 40m deep shaft.
In 2023, two other tunnel boring machines will set off towards Greenpark Way from HS2’s Victoria Road site in 2023 to build a further 3.4mile twin-bore tunnel.
