HS2 tunnel segments depart Hartlepool for London

Strabag, which is manufacturing the pre-cast concrete segments for HS2’s next London tunnel drives, opened a state-of-the-art factory in Hartlepool earlier this year. The factory has direct access to the rail network through a rail head that had not been used in over 15 years.

Strabag has made a significant investment in Hartlepool, redeveloping an old oil-rig fabrication site into an automated precast concrete facility which is initially being used for HS2.

Strabag worked with Network Rail to bring the disused rail head that runs alongside the factory back into service, connecting it to the UK rail network. Transporting the tunnel segments by rail rather than road will cut CO₂ emissions by 76%.

HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture (SCS JV), will receive the segments at its London Logistics Hub near Willesden Junction. From there, the segments will be transported to Victoria Road Crossover Box in Acton.

The segments will be used to construct the Northolt Tunnel East, a 5.5km twin bore tunnel drive from Victoria Road in Acton to Greenford. At Greenford, the tunnel will connect to the Northolt Tunnel West, and combined will complete the 13.5km tunnel taking HS2 services from Old Oak Common Station to the edge of London.

For both the Northolt Tunnel East and Euston Tunnel, over 83,000 precast tunnel segments will be produced. Each ring has an 8.8m outside diameter, is 35cm thick and weighs seven tonnes.

The next two TBMs – named Emily and Anne – will be launched by SCS JV next year.

HS2 Ltd project client director Malcolm Codling said the start of tunnel segment deliveries was “a further sign of momentum in the construction of HS2, building between London and the West Midlands”.

“Strabag’s investment in Hartlepool is an example of how HS2 is benefiting the UK economy. Reinstating the rail head demonstrates a commitment to a long-term future for the factory, and supports HS2’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through construction,” he said.

Strabag UK managing director Simon Wild said the company was delighted to see the first trains leaving for London.

“The direct access from the factory to the rail network is a huge location advantage that enables us to reduce the number of journeys by lorry and carbon emissions,” he said.

The freight trains can carry up to 20 segment rings, which will be used to build 38m of tunnel. Each train from Hartlepool to London will remove the need for 40 lorries on UK roads. Trains will run six times a week between Hartlepool and London.

Strabag has also been awarded the contract to supply the segments for HS2’s Euston tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston. Alternative funding arrangements for Euston are being considered after the government announced in October that HS2 Ltd would lose responsibility for the Euston site.