From Blueprint to Reality: HS2 Achieves Historic Tunneling Milestone

The HS2 project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first deep twin-bore tunnel at Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire. This one-mile-long tunnel, built 30 meters below the surface, is the first of five such tunnels on the high-speed rail network to be completed in its civil engineering phase.

The project, which began in June 2020, saw the use of a 125-meter-long tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Dorothy, which completed the excavation of both bores by March 2023. The construction generated 750,000 tonnes of material, which has been efficiently repurposed for embankments along the railway’s route.

The final civil engineering works, including cross passages, base slabs, emergency walkways, and concrete finishes, have now been completed, paving the way for the internal installation of railway systems such as power, track, and signaling.

The tunnel was constructed by HS2’s main works contractor, which is responsible for 56 miles of HS2 infrastructure between Warwickshire and Staffordshire. A dedicated workforce of 380 engineers and workers has been involved in this phase, bringing together expertise in tunneling, structural engineering, and safety operations.

The Long Itchington Wood Tunnel was designed not only to enhance high-speed rail connectivity but also to preserve the ancient woodland above it. By tunneling deep underground, the project ensures minimal environmental impact, demonstrating how modern infrastructure can be developed while respecting natural landscapes.

According to HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, this milestone represents years of continuous work and a testament to the skill and dedication of the engineering teams.

This tunnel is just one part of HS2’s extensive tunneling works, with four other twin-bore tunnels at various stages of construction, including:

With HS2 continuing to push forward, this breakthrough at Long Itchington Wood marks just the beginning of a transformative rail project that will reshape transportation in the UK for generations to come.

Check out the HS2's milestone announcement in the following video.