Annie breaks through

The UK's Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Contract 220 upline running tunnel TBM, Annie, broke through on 27 January at King's Cross Lands completing her 7.5km journey under London from Stratford. Cementation Skanska – Nishimatsu were contractors in a joint venture and used an earth pressure balance machine supplied by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Contract 220 formed the longest stretch of underground tunnelling for the entire CTRL scheme. Annie successfully negotiated a route under London Underground's Highbury and Islington tube station without disruption, as well as the Central Line and other critical structures. Annie's sister machine, Bertha, is due to break through later this year when the downline running tunnel is completed.