A tunnel boring machine (TBM) for high-speed railway HS2 has started its journey to Greenpark Way in Greenford from Old Oak Common station in Acton.
TBM Emily is named after Emily Sophia Taylor who as well as being Ealing’s first female mayor in 1938 was instrumental in setting up Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937.
TBM Emily will be used to dig almost half of the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel and is HS2’s third TBM.
HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, assembled Emily underground its Victoria Road site after being lifted in parts and lowered into a shaft.
Malcolm Codling, project client director, HS2 Ltd said: “We are working at peak construction on HS2, delivering the tunnels which HS2 trains will travel through under London. The preparation to launch TBM Emily has been complex and we remain on schedule to complete the Northolt Tunnel in 2025.”
When up and running, the Northolt tunnel will carry HS2 trains in and out of London.
James Richardson, managing director of Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) added: “The HS2 London Tunnels team are well on the way to delivering a new railway into the heart of London with the launch of TBM Emily. Next month, we will be launching TBM Anne who together with Emily will form the tunnel from old Oak Common to Greenpark Way Shaft where they will meet with TBMs Sushila and Caroline, who are already halfway to completing their journeys from West Ruislip.”
 for high-speed railway HS2 has started its journey to Greenpark Way in Greenford from Old Oak Common station in Acton.){kind=link}