UK contractor Murphys has been chosen as the preferred contractor for the construction of the 20km long cable tunnel from Elstree to St John’s Wood in North London. Tunnelling is scheduled to begin in March 2001 with completion scheduled for March 2003. The tunnel will run at a depth of 20m and have a 3m id. Included in the contract will be the construction of five intermediate ventilation and access points located in Kilburn, Cricklewood, Colindale, Canons Corner and Centennial Park. Tunnelling will be carried out concurrently from the shaft site at Elstree and also in both directions from Cricklewood. The scheme is a major part of the reinforcement of London’s electricity transmission system.
