Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has invested in state-of-the-art technology to warn its delivery drivers of potential hazards on the road. TG Lynes, based in Enfield, is in the process of adding Brigade’s Sidescan Predict® system to its entire fleet of HGV vehicles. The intelligent
Hot on the heels of HS2’s first London TBM, ‘Sushila’, who set off earlier this month, the 2,000 tonnes TBM, ‘Caroline’ has today begun the 5-mile journey towards Greenford from West Ruislip in West London TBM named after ‘first professional’ female astronomer Caroline Herschel HS2 Ltd has just launched the
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has commenced work on an upgrade of the M25 junction 28 for National Highways. Junction 28 plays a major role in connecting the A12 and the M25, as well as providing access to Brentwood via the A1023. Up to 7,500 vehicles currently travel through the junction
Major construction work is due to start on the Lyminster Bypass in West Sussex, which will help ease congestion. Jackson Civil Engineering were the ones who managed to win the £23.8 million contract, due to begin immediately. According to the existing plans, the new road will link up with the
The launch of HS2’s giant tunnel boring machine, which set off on its five-mile journey from West Ruislip to Greenford on 6th October, has sparked new training and employment opportunities for residents in seven London boroughs. HS2’s construction partner, Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS), is working in partnership with Danny Sullivan
VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen by Hampshire County Council as its design and build contractor to deliver the planned M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme. This marks a key milestone for this significant and complex project which will enable the development of Welborne Garden Village to the north of Fareham. VolkerFitzpatrick and
Story Contracting has commenced improvement work on Hartlepool Station, with the demolition of the disused platform 3 marking the first phase of the redevelopment. The team, on behalf of Network Rail and Tees Valley Combined Authority, have successfully removed the platform over 108 hours; removing 1500T of spent material. With
DP WORLD recently announces that work has started on site to build a new fourth berth at its London Gateway smart logistics hub. The resilience of the UK supply chain will be strengthened by the £350m project, which builds on DP World’s £2bn investment in Britain over the last decade.
Metrolink has been boosted by the arrival of the last of 27 new trams, as part of a £72m investment in the network. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) signed a contract with Bombardier Transportation UK – now Alstom – and Kiepe Electric to produce the M5000 in July 2018. The
First of two 2,000 tonne TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) starts 5-mile journey towards Greenford from West Ruislip in West London First machine named ‘Sushila’, after pupils nominated local teacher Sushila Hirani. Second machine named after ‘first professional’ female astronomer Caroline Herschel. HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Thurston: “The launch of the
Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has invested in state-of-the-art technology to warn its delivery drivers of potential hazards on the road. TG Lynes, based in Enfield, is in the process of adding Brigade’s Sidescan Predict® system to its entire fleet of HGV vehicles. The intelligent side detection system has been developed for rigid vehicles with large blind spots. Six ultrasonic sensors on the side of the vehicle detect objects and vulnerable road users, whether they are stationary or moving. The technology calculates the risk of collision and alerts the driver either visually or audibly, depending on the risk. TG Lynes plans to have the technology installed on a quarter of its distribution fleet by March next year Andrew Ingram, General Manager at TG Lynes, said: “We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to make life easier and safer for all of our colleagues. “It is crucial that vehicles with complex blind spots utilise technology to help reduce collisions. “Brigade’s Sidescan Predict system is one of the most technically sophisticated products available. It will offer peace of mind to our drivers and false alarms are significantly reduced, meaning they can be confident in the accuracy of the warning.” TG Lynes has used other Brigade safety products for more than 10 years. Used in conjunction with driver training and regular internal safety briefings, TG Lynes has managed to avoid any serious incidents with vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorbikes. Andrew added: “Safety is a top priority for us. The protocols and safety equipment we have put in place, in conjunction with internal and external training, have enabled us to reduce near-miss incidents and has eradicated any side-swipe incidents and road traffic collisions.” The Sidescan Predict® system remains switched on when the vehicle’s speed is below 22mph, regardless of the indicator selection, and cannot be deactivated by the driver. Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager of Brigade Electronics UK: “Unlike existing systems, which simply register the presence of a potential obstacle, Sidescan Predict® is constantly gathering data in a vehicle’s vicinity. “This provides additional benefits to operators by significantly reducing false alarms and increasing confidence in the accuracy of warning alerts. We are delighted to add Sidescan Predict® to our range of commercial vehicle safety systems and we are confident that it will make a positive impact to road and worksite safety and preventing fatalities.” As well as the HGVs, TG Lynes’ fleet also includes 3.5 tonne vans and an electric bike. TG Lynes offers a daily delivery service to sites across London, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands, with the first vehicles on the road for 6am. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hot on the heels of HS2’s first London TBM, ‘Sushila’, who set off earlier this month, the 2,000 tonnes TBM, ‘Caroline’ has today begun the 5-mile journey towards Greenford from West Ruislip in West London TBM named after ‘first professional’ female astronomer Caroline Herschel HS2 Ltd has just launched the fifth Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), ‘Caroline’, that will be constructing tunnels for the HS2 railway through London. The second launched in the capital, the 2,000 tonnes machine joins ‘Sushila’, that was switched on earlier this month on the same West London site. Named after 18th century astronomer Caroline Herschel, the giant machine will now dig for 22 months, non-stop except for Christmas Day, towards Greenpark way in Greenford – boring five miles of the twin-bore Northolt Tunnel. ‘Caroline’ will be operated by a crew of 15 people, working in shifts. An additional 25 people will directly support each tunnel drive on the surface. Travelling at an average of 14m per day, ‘Caroline’ will dig the five-mile tunnel and install 4,207 tunnel segment rings to create the tunnel. Each ring of the tunnel is made up of seven concrete segments which have been manufactured in the UK by Pacadar based in Kent. The machine was switched on by HS2’s Civils Delivery Director, Mike Lyons, who 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.” The machine was given the name ‘Caroline’ after it was put forward by pupils at Brentside Primary Academy in Ealing, who were inspired by her contribution to astronomy whilst learning about earth and space in their science lessons. German-born British astronomer Caroline Herschel was considered the first professional female astronomer. In her career she discovered three new nebulae (hazy clouds where stars form) and was the first woman to ever discover a comet in 1786. She compiled a catalogue of 2500 nebulae and, in 1828, the Royal Astronomical Society awarded her its gold medal for this work. ‘Caroline’ will be operated by Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV), HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor constructing the HS2 tunnels in London. She joins ‘Sushila’ who has already travelled over 70m in the three weeks since launch. James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG JV said: “We’re delighted to have begun our tunnelling journey towards Euston, travelling under one of the busiest cities in the world. Getting to this point has been a huge team effort and the scale of this programme has enabled many new people to join the industry and work on this crucial national infrastructure project.” Once ‘Caroline’ and ‘Sushila’ reach their destination at Greenpark Way, they will be dismantled and extracted from a 40m deep shaft. Separately, two other equally massive 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. Combined, the quartet of TBMs will build 8.4miles of twin bored tunnels between West Ruislip and the new high speed rail super hub station at Old Oak Common. Further facts about the TBMS: Each machine is 140 metres in length, one and a quarter times the length of a football pitch Each has a cutter head that is 9.84m in diameter, almost as tall as two giraffes standing on top of each other They each weigh approximately 2,050 tonnes, roughly the weight of 10 blue whales 2 million cubic metres of excavated material will be removed, weighing 2.46 million tonnes A single tunnel segment ring weighs 8.5 tonnes Another tunnel 4.5 mile twin-bore tunnel extending from Old Oak Common to Euston will complete HS2’s journey to its London terminus. Spoil from the tunnels at West Ruislip will not travel far as it will be used for sustainable placement to the North, creating embankments for the new railway, as well as new environmental habitats. It will also be used to remodel the West Ruislip golf course which is closed during HS2 construction.
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has commenced work on an upgrade of the M25 junction 28 for National Highways. Junction 28 plays a major role in connecting the A12 and the M25, as well as providing access to Brentwood via the A1023. Up to 7,500 vehicles currently travel through the junction roundabout every hour at peak times, which is already operating at capacity, with motorists regularly experiencing congestion and delays. GRAHAM’s work involves the creation of a two-lane loop road with a hard shoulder for traffic travelling from the M25 northbound carriageway anti-clockwise onto the A12 eastbound carriageway towards Essex. This will include the construction of new bridges to take the loop road over or under the other road links and the Weald Brook, along with new signage and changes to the landscape. GRAHAM’s project team will also change the position of the A12’s eastbound exit slip road and the M25’s anti-clockwise entry slip road to allow for the new loop road. In addition, work will involve widening the M25 anti-clockwise carriageway to provide more space for traffic leaving the A12 heading eastbound. The majority of the construction work will take place off the road network, with the new loop road and links being almost fully completed before any work takes place that will impact drivers. Work on the scheme is expected to take 36 months, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2025. Discussing the scheme, GRAHAM Highways Director, Dave Brown, said: “We are pleased to have begun work on the upgrade of the M25’s junction 28. “National Highways is a valued and longstanding client for GRAHAM, and this scheme will play a major role in improving journey times for those travelling on one of the country’s busiest junctions. Dave added: “We’ll be delivering the project with a collaborative and safety-led approach, working as part of an integrated team with National Highways to ensure the upgrade is completed with disruption to motorists minimised as much as possible.” National Highways project manager Zach Pepper said: “These improvements will provide safer journeys for thousands of drivers, cyclists and walkers who use this route every day as part of our wider investment to enhance capacity at this vital junction. “Improving the flow of traffic and allowing more capacity on the exit slip roads will provide a safer and more integrated network for everyone. There will also be less likelihood of traffic queuing back onto the M25 once this upgrade and reconfiguration of the junction is complete.”
Major construction work is due to start on the Lyminster Bypass in West Sussex, which will help ease congestion. Jackson Civil Engineering were the ones who managed to win the £23.8 million contract, due to begin immediately. According to the existing plans, the new road will link up with the recently-constructed southern section of the bypass to complete a new, 1.1-mile carriageway running to the east of Lyminster and Wick villages. As far as possible, the new carriageway will be constructed off-line from the existing highway network to minimise disruption for road users. “Initial, enabling works, such as vegetation clearance, had already been completed, but now the main construction phase started on Monday. This is very positive news. Helping to provide a sustainable and prosperous economy is one of the priorities in Our Council Plan and, by providing this new highway infrastructure, we will be supporting the provision of 1,260 new homes and 700 new jobs in the region,” said Joy Dennis, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport. “It’s also hoped that, by providing improved cyclist and pedestrian facilities, more people will be encouraged to make local trips on foot or by bike, helping lower our carbon footprint, another key priority in our Council Plan,” Joy Dennis added. The existing public bridleway will be maintained with a Pegasus Crossing, provided to ensure the safety of equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians. Moreover, a new viaduct will be constructed over Black Ditch with an associated flood plain to ensure that there is no increase in flood risk. The existing culvert will be extended at Brookfield Stream as well. The scheme is being funded by Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund, developer contributions (Section 106 funds), the Department for Transport and the County Council. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
The launch of HS2’s giant tunnel boring machine, which set off on its five-mile journey from West Ruislip to Greenford on 6th October, has sparked new training and employment opportunities for residents in seven London boroughs. HS2’s construction partner, Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS), is working in partnership with Danny Sullivan Group, Camden Council and TheForge@ParkRoyal (part of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation) to deliver a bespoke training and work placement programme especially for residents who live in Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. The three-week training programme, delivered with West London College and United Colleges Group, starts on 24th October and will be followed by a four-week paid work placement, to enable candidates to get a feel for what it’s like to work in construction, and as part of the team operating the giant 2,000 tonne machines. During its construction programme SCS will launch five more tunnel boring machines, creating a total of 26 miles of tunnel beneath the capital, ready to transport HS2’s state of the art British-built bullet-style trains into the terminus station at Euston. Ambrose Quashie, HS2’s Skills Manager for Greater London said: “We’re teaming up with some brilliant partners, as we know they are well placed to ensure that local people, who are most in need, benefit from these unique training and employment opportunities on HS2.” “Tunnelling is a highly-skilled career for life, and this is a fantastic opportunity to join the team tasked with constructing some of the most challenging sections of the whole HS2 route.” The training programme will prepare candidates for their four-week paid work placement. They’ll gain the vital construction and health and safety accreditation they need to begin working alongside and learning from some of the most experienced engineers in the industry. Skanska Costain STRABAG contractor, Danny Sullivan Group, will be looking for standout candidates throughout the programme and will invest in providing tunnelling operative apprenticeships to those eager to earn, learn and progress into this specialist engineering role. Frankie Jones, Skills Employment and Education Manager at Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture said: “HS2 is a project for future generations, and this extends to inspiring the next generation of the future stars in our industry. It is great to be able to offer a unique opportunity for people to get involved in tunnelling, whilst learning about our programme of construction and helping us construct the railway.” Camden Council and TheForge@ParkRoyal will play a vital role in supporting local residents who are out of work, and live in one for the seven qualifying boroughs, with their job applications. This forms part of an ongoing ‘job brokerage’ partnership with HS2, which is designed to ensure that local people benefit from the thousands of employment opportunities HS2’s construction is creating. Billy Seago, Manager at TheForge@ParkRoyal said: “We’re excited to join HS2, SCS and wider partners to deliver this important training opportunity. The training programme offers a fantastic opportunity for residents to gain skills to be an important part of a ground-breaking project like HS2, while also being paid.” “TheForge @ParkRoyal has already placed more than 150 west Londoners into training and employment and we encourage residents to consider this opportunity and get in touch with us to find out more.” For more information about the programme, contact Camden’s Council’s King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre or TheForge@ParkRoyal.
VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen by Hampshire County Council as its design and build contractor to deliver the planned M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme. This marks a key milestone for this significant and complex project which will enable the development of Welborne Garden Village to the north of Fareham. VolkerFitzpatrick and lead designer, Ramboll, bring significant expertise and experience to the project team and will work closely with the County Council and National Highways to finalise the design for the scheme, with construction planned to begin in 2023. “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract by Hampshire County Council. Our regional approach will allow us to deliver our highways expertise in a way that will most benefit the Hampshire community,” commented Paul Lilley, VolkerFitzpatrick’s Operations Director. The upgrade involves the provision of a new motorway underpass to the west of the existing M27 Junction 10, three new slip roads to facilitate an ‘all moves’ arrangement and the construction of a new dual carriageway to link the new slip roads to the existing road network. These highway improvements will make a very significant contribution to the local economy, enabling much needed new housing, amenities and jobs. Hampshire County Council is the delivery body for the Junction 10 project. “I am very pleased with how this project is progressing and I welcome the news that a contractor has been appointed. With the development of the new Garden Village at Welborne, it is important that the necessary road infrastructure is put in place to secure the full benefits for the local economy and communities,” said Councillor Edward Heron, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy. “As the Highway Authority for the local road network, the County Council is very experienced at successfully managing the development and delivery of large transport projects on our own road network. However, the construction of a new motorway underpass on the M27, which is managed by National Highways, is technically complex and requires expert and specialist engineering knowledge. I am confident that Volker Fitzpatrick, supported by Ramboll, will be a very able partner to this end. We are very proud to be leading this important milestone project, but we do not underestimate the magnitude of the task,” he added. In March 2022, Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council welcomed news of an award of £41.25 million of Housing Investment Grant by Homes England towards the upgrade of Junction 10. This will make a substantial contribution to the overall cost of the scheme with the remaining £40 million being provided by the Welborne developers. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Story Contracting has commenced improvement work on Hartlepool Station, with the demolition of the disused platform 3 marking the first phase of the redevelopment. The team, on behalf of Network Rail and Tees Valley Combined Authority, have successfully removed the platform over 108 hours; removing 1500T of spent material. With demolition complete, piling will now begin on site, making way for the construction of a new platform. As part of the works, the existing platform 2 will also be extended by 20 metres to house a new footbridge and lift for improved access. “We’re proud to be supporting Network Rail and TVCA in the delivery of the upgrades at Hartlepool Station. The works to improve the station for local people, will include community benefits such as providing step-free access to the platforms to enhance the journey experience for those with impaired mobility or travelling with children, luggage or bikes,” said Chris Ralph, Scheme Project Manager for Story Contracting. Currently only one platform is used by trains heading both north and south up the coastal line. The works will help provide more capacity to enable future service for routes including those between London and Sunderland operated by Grand Central. The development will also provide a potential boost to Northern services which connect Hartlepool with Middlesbrough, Newcastle and other major towns on the Durham Coast rail line. “I’m delighted crews are now on-site for this long-awaited project to boost connectivity for local people and visitors. It’s sorely needed as we work to improve Hartlepool town centre through our Mayoral Development Corporation and drive jobs, investment and increased tourism with fantastic events like the Tall Ships in 2023,” added Mayor Houchen. “Pre-pandemic, up to 650,000 people were using this station every year and these improvements will make sure this figure can grow as we unlock even more capacity right across our transport network and give local people the services they deserve.” The upgrade is due to be completed in time for the Tall Ships Festival in July 2023. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
DP WORLD recently announces that work has started on site to build a new fourth berth at its London Gateway smart logistics hub. The resilience of the UK supply chain will be strengthened by the £350m project, which builds on DP World’s £2bn investment in Britain over the last decade. On completion in 2024 it will lift London Gateway’s capacity by a third, giving it more room to handle the world’s largest vessels than any other port in the country. Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive of DP World, said: “I am delighted that we have taken the next step in delivery of the new fourth berth and made clear our commitment to investing in and regenerating the areas where we operate. Over the next 10 years we have earmarked a further £1bn of investment in this country.” “The construction of the new fourth berth is creating 1,000 jobs and London Gateway’s rapidly growing logistics park will employ 12,000 people when it is completed in five years’ time. Our investment is a catalyst for the regeneration of one of the most deprived areas in the UK, which is currently in the top decile of deprivation.” Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey Civil Engineering Director, added “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract with DP World and to begin delivering this vital piece of national infrastructure. We bring with us extensive experience in the marine sector, and look forward to engaging with our local supply chain and creating jobs locally.” DP World operates the UK’s most advanced logistics hubs: two deep water ports at London Gateway and Southampton with access to freight rail terminals, and a rapidly expanding logistics park on the doorstep of the capital. By offering a choice of deep-water entry and exit points to and from the country, the leading provider of smart logistics solutions is giving greater flexibility to shipping lines, cargo owners and exporters. In a record for the port, DP World announced in July that London Gateway handled more than one million TEU in six months between January and June. When factoring in throughput at Southampton this performance contributed to a record volume of cargo in the first half of the year for DP World’s ports in the UK, with a combined total of 1,937,000 TEU.
Metrolink has been boosted by the arrival of the last of 27 new trams, as part of a £72m investment in the network. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) signed a contract with Bombardier Transportation UK – now Alstom – and Kiepe Electric to produce the M5000 in July 2018. The last of the new batch of trams was received by Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) on Saturday 24th September, and is undergoing testing and commission before going into service. Each of the new vehicles will make Metrolink’s fleet of trams more resilient, boost capacity for passengers and allow for more services to be scheduled for high-profile events within Greater Manchester. The new trams are funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which has also helped build more car parking capacity around the network, as well as expanding Trafford and Queens Road depots. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s really important we attract people onto public transport as we build the Bee Network, and Metrolink is a key part of our plans for a more integrated, ‘London-style’ system. “Metrolink is synonymous with Greater Manchester and, following a decade of investment and growth is now the largest network in the country. We are proud of it, and it shows what can be done when you have local control over something that is run in the interests of the people it serves. “These new trams represent a further major investment and will provide increased capacity at key growth areas. “Like the buses, we now need more people to get on board their local Metrolink services so that we can grow patronage and revenues and put Metrolink back on a more financially sustainable footing. “The more people that use public transport to more we will ultimately be able to reinvest back into the system and make the Bee Network the first-class public transport system that Greater Manchester needs.” Metrolink’s fleet of 147 trams has covered over 118 million kilometres, with the new fleet of vehicles approaching 2 million kilometres in service. On average, trams cover an average 40,000 kilometres a day. Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve now received all 27 new trams which will mean we can boost capacity on the network and attract more people onto Metrolink, as well as other modes of public transport as part of the Bee Network. “Along with investment in our trams, we have also expanded park and ride facilities on the network and are improving cycling facilities at Metrolink stops to support the vision of an integrated public transport system.” Guillaume Chanussot, Managing Director of KAM, added: “We are proud to operate Metrolink on behalf of TfGM and we are committed to delivering the best customer journey experience. “The increased capacity provided by the additional 27 new trams enables us to continuously improve our customer offering for the people of Greater Manchester.”
First of two 2,000 tonne TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) starts 5-mile journey towards Greenford from West Ruislip in West London First machine named ‘Sushila’, after pupils nominated local teacher Sushila Hirani. Second machine named after ‘first professional’ female astronomer Caroline Herschel. HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Thurston: “The launch of the TBMs on the largest section of tunnels through London is a major moment for HS2, and one that demonstrates the brilliant momentum that has built behind Britain’s flagship levelling-up project.” Broadcast quality B-Roll of the switch on available here: Northolt Tunnel TBM launched (6 October 2022) Broadcast quality drone footage of the event available here: Northolt Tunnel TBMs launched (drone) HS2 Ltd yesterday celebrated the start of the next phase of tunnelling on the enormous infrastructure project, launching the first of six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will dig over 26 miles of tunnels under the capital. HS2 Ltd’s CEO, Mark Thurston was joined by local teacher, Sushila Hirani, after whom one of the tunnel boring machines at the West London site is named, as it begins on its five mile journey. “Sushila” is the fourth of 10 HS2 tunnel boring machines to be launched. The milestone highlights the progress being made on building Britain’s new high speed rail network, creating jobs and providing contracts for businesses now. Later this year a second TBM, named after 18th century astronomer Caroline Herschel, will also be launched from the West London site to build the second of HS2’s twin-bore tunnels towards central London. Speaking about the launch, the HS2 Minister, Kevin Foster MP, said: “This launch is a landmark moment in the delivery of HS2, helping link London to Birmingham and unlock better connections, quicker journeys and create thousands of skilled jobs across the North and Midlands. “Already well underway, HS2 is set to revolutionise journeys for communities throughout the country, boost local economies and, at its peak, support more than 34,000 jobs across the UK.” Each weighing over 2,000 tonnes and measuring 140 metres in length, both TBMs will bore five miles non-stop for 22 months, except Christmas Day and bank holidays, to Greenpark Way in Greenford, where they will be dismantled and lifted from the ground. Separately, two other equally massive 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. Together the quartet of TBMs will build 8.4miles of twin bored tunnels between West Ruislip and the new high speed rail super hub station at Old Oak Common. Another 4.5 mile twin-bore tunnel extending from Old Oak Common to Euston will complete HS2’s journey to its London terminus. Each TBM is operated by 15 people, working in shifts. A team of around 40 people assembled the TBMs, with 56 companies involved in getting the site ready and machines launched. In total the 10 TBMs will create 64 miles of tunnels on HS2 between London and the West Midlands. Launching the TBM, HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “The launch of the Tunnel Boring Machines on the longest section of tunnels through London is a significant moment for HS2, and one that demonstrates the momentum that has built behind Britain’s flagship levelling-up project. “The construction of 170 miles of new high speed railway between London and Crewe is now in full swing, supporting 27,000 jobs, nearly 1,000 apprenticeships and contracts for over 2,500 businesses.” Local school children from Dairy Meadow Primary School in Southall and Brentside Primary Academy helped name the TBMs after participating in workshops about the tunnelling work. The TBM launched today is called Sushila after local schoolteacher Sushila Hirani, Head of Department and Lead for STEM at Greenford High School. The Willow class at Dairy Meadow Primary School in Southall suggested the name due to her inspiring work and passion for getting more women and young people from BAME backgrounds into STEM subjects. With a background in product design, Sushila has been a teacher for nearly 30 years. Her involvement in local infrastructure and development projects, including the Waterside housing development in Southall, and drive to attract girls into STEM subjects as a path towards Engineering at A Level, apprenticeships, and degrees, has inspired many in the local area. Speaking about having HS2’s first London tunnel boring machine named after her, Sushila said: “I was very surprised that the Willow class pupils at Dairy Meadow chose to put my name forward for this honour. When I met the pupils, I was very impressed by how much work they had already engaged in relating to design and technology and STEM, led by their teacher Prabhjot Uppal, who is the design technology lead at the school. I have always had a passion for industrial design and engineering, and if this event helps young people connect with engineering and inspire them to pursue this path, then my small contribution here has been worthwhile.” The second TBM to be launched has been named Caroline after the German-born British astronomer Caroline Herschel. Considered the first professional female astronomer, discovering three new nebulae (hazy clouds where stars form) in 1783, Herschel went on to be first woman to ever discover a comet in 1786. She made significant contributions to the work of her astronomer brother Sir William, executing many of the calculations connected with his studies. She compiled a catalogue of 2500 nebulae and, in 1828, the Royal Astronomical Society awarded her its gold medal for this work. Her name was put forward for the TBM by pupils at Brentside Primary Academy in Ealing, who were inspired by her contribution to astronomy whilst learning about earth and space in their science lessons. Sushila and Caroline will be operated by Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV). The machines are manufactured by worldwide TBM specialist Herrenknecht in Germany. Further facts about the TBMS: Each machine is 140 metres in length, one and a quarter times the length of a football pitch Each has a cutter head that is 9.84m in diameter, slightly smaller than the machines boring through