The first of the two Kawasaki TBMs, that will excavate the longest tunnels on the UK’s Channel Tunnel Rail Link Section 2, was launched on 29 August by the Nishimatsu/ Cementation Skanska JV. The $9.1M, 8m diameter Kawasaki dual mode TBM (pictured being lowered into the western end of the Stratford box) will bore approximately 95m a week through chalk, sand and clay, on the first 7.5km long drive between Stratford and St. Pancras railway station. The second Kawasaki TBM will follow in six weeks’ time.
The machines travelled down from Haverton Hall in Teeside, North East England, where they were tested (see T&TI July 2002).
The $220M project also includes the construction of ventilation shafts, utility mitigation works, rail track bed, walkways and drainage works inside the tunnels.
Walt Bell, managing director of Union Railways (North) said “This event marks an important milestone for CTRL.”
