HS2 Euston Tunnel work has been paused, as expected
The tunnel’s schedule was thrown into doubt after the Euston station project was put on hold last month, with spiralling costs due to inflation cited as
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HS2 Ltd has now confirmed that work on it, scheduled to begin in 2024, has been paused.
The paused tunnel runs from Old Oak Common in west London to Euston. Last June HS2 awarded SCS JV an extra £78M to deliver the approach tunnels into Euston station.
HS2 Ltd will now focus on the delivery of the section of line between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street with the Euston section to be completed at a later date.
Tunnelling specialist warned earlier this month that failure to complete the Euston Tunnels could create challenges at the Old Oak Common site from where the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were due to be launched.
Two TBMs had been lined up to drive the Euston Tunnel. Piling work the tunnel cutting and further demolitions or tree felling will also be stopped, although it is understood current excavations for utilities in Euston Road and substation works for London Transport will be completed.