The Northolt Tunnel is HS2’s second longest, stretching between West Ruislip and the new railway interchange at Old Oak Common in London, and will eventually have trains passing through travelling between the capital and Birmingham
A colossal 8.4-mile tunnel, a key part of the ambitious HS2 project, has been proudly completed despite recent concerns over skyrocketing costs that saw the high speed rail line’s budget balloon by £37billion. The impressive Northolt Tunnel, which links West Ruislip to Old Oak Common, marks an important success for HS2 managers as they navigate the massive construction project aimed at enhancing rail journeys between London and Birmingham.
The final push was made by the fourth tunnel boring machine, concluding its part in crafting HS2’s second-longest tunnel on June 26. Alan Morris, construction delivery director at HS2 Ltd, said: “Completing the excavation of this 8.4 mile-long tunnel on HS2 is a real achievement and one the team should be immensely proud of.”
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He hailed the future benefits of HS2: “We’re building HS2 for the future, to increase capacity on our rail network and improve journeys for millions of rail users.
“The construction of HS2 is already bringing benefits, with £20billion economic benefit already being delivered at either end of the line.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has vowed to implement all of James Stewart’s review recommendations, including more rigorous cost controls and the development of a new Euston station as part of measures to overcome “years of mismanagement” and rebuild public faith in the HS2 project, reports the Express.
Ms Alexander said: “This must be a line in the sand. This government is delivering HS2 from Birmingham to London after years of mismanagement, flawed reporting and ineffective oversight
“Mark Wild and Mike Brown were part of the team, with me, that turned Crossrail into the Elizabeth Line – we have done it before, we will do it again.
“Passengers and taxpayers deserve new railways the country can be proud of and the work to get HS2 back on track is firmly underway.”
