No issues maybe, but presumably if funding doesn't come forward for Euston, the tunnels won't be builtI don't think there are any issues with the Euston tunnelling itself, just the configuration of the station when they get there.
No issues maybe, but presumably if funding doesn't come forward for Euston, the tunnels won't be builtI don't think there are any issues with the Euston tunnelling itself, just the configuration of the station when they get there.
I wouldn't count on anything. What they are proposing is a Canary Wharf style developer-led property project.That means the station development might have a more rational client, who decides they want oversite development and sticks with that choice. The client will still be in frequent conversation with the Tory party accountants in 2024, so perhaps not.
So if the funding from the private sector came through does that mean the tunnels get built but into an 8 platform Euston?
The only justification left is that cancelling Phase 1 would cost more than finishing it in terms of terminating contracts and undoing all of the work done so far.
The TBMs are under construction and are planned to be placed at the tunnel portal next year, ready for the off to be given.
The 853m logistics tunnel under the OOC site to enable them to be operational there is creeping forward and as far as I know is still at work.
I don't think there are any issues with the Euston tunnelling itself, just the configuration of the station when they get there.
Pictures show HS2 launching a 316-tonne machine component that will dig its way under west London. A crane was seen lowering part of the massive Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) into the ground, with HS2 emblazoned on the side. This TBM set to dig 3.4 miles of dirt beneath the capital. The 7.10 metre tall and 19 metres long white cylinder is a 316-tonne shield for the machine. It will protect workers from shards of rock as it whirrs through the ground from Victoria Road Crossover Box, Ealing, to Greenpark Way, Greenford. Once it Greenford, it will link up with the five-mile tunnel currently being excavated from West Ruislip, known as the Northolt Tunnel, built by another TBM. Several other TBM parts are being winched underground in Old Oak Common, west London, which is promised to become “the best-connected and largest new railway station ever built in the UK.” Each TBM will be officially named on October 23.
I can't find it now, but there's an HS2 photo on news feeds of a TBM head being lowered down the Victoria Road vent shaft at OOC.
About 900m overall I think, from the drawings on the HS2 site. It must include space for a serious number of junctions and crossovers at both ends, as there are six platform lines, and I think the middle 4 platforms have connections in both directions.Another tour of the box, didn't realise the box is 2x the length of the platforms.
Some cool drone shots of the construction site. It's actually mad how big the pit is...
Indeed and progress has been very good. You have to question why there remain a lack of confidence in achieving 2029 still as earliest opening.Some cool drone shots of the construction site. It's actually mad how big the pit is...
Indeed and progress has been very good. You have to question why there remain a lack of confidence in achieving 2029 still as earliest opening.
There’s also https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/headhouses-and-ventilation-shafts/victoria-road-crossover-box/About 900m overall I think, from the drawings on the HS2 site. It must include space for a serious number of junctions and crossovers at both ends, as there are six platform lines, and I think the middle 4 platforms have connections in both directions.
About 900m overall I think, from the drawings on the HS2 site. It must include space for a serious number of junctions and crossovers at both ends, as there are six platform lines, and I think the middle 4 platforms have connections in both directions.
Only going to be used as a 6 track Terminus from north.If it's used as a terminus, won't all 6 platforms need connections in both directions?
There’s 4 platforms that have connections allowing direct reversal within the station box, then the outer 2 can be used via the Victoria Road crossover box. The latter two require bidirectional running between the two boxes.If it's used as a terminus, won't all 6 platforms need connections in both directions?
I think it’s based on this HS2 drawing, and appears the same on a quick glance:Is the dotted line layout on Open Street Map correct in terms of showing connections?:
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.www.openstreetmap.org
Sir John Thompson (Mark Thurstons temporary replacement) giving evidenece to Public Accounts Committee had this to say about integrationAs Crossrail demonstrates pretty well, the civil engineering can be easy but the electrical and mechanical fit out can be a lot harder. Without photogenic events like TBM breakthroughs it's much harder to judge progress.
At least they've finally woken upto Crossrails problems and my moneys on Mark Wild (ex Crossrail mgr who sorted that project out) appearing.HS2 is planning to tighten management controls on budgets with the appointment in January of a Chief Railway Officer for the project. The new role will to be to integrate all elements of phase one, working alongside a new chief executive replacement for Mark Thurston.
“A lessons learnt from Crossrail is you need a single controlling mind for the programme overall, rather than working through individual lines,” said Thompson.
Sir John Thompson (Mark Thurstons temporary replacement) giving evidenece to Public Accounts Committee had this to say about integration
He was introduced as the Executive Chairman as hes covering for Thurston till they appoint a replacement. Personally id leave him running the show he was very refreshing and candid compared to Thurston and others who've appeared in front of select committees.Strictly speaking, he‘s the chairman. There’s no replacement for Mark T yet.
From Huw Merriman's HS2 6-monthly report written statement to Parliament:He was introduced as the Executive Chairman as hes covering for Thurston till they appoint a replacement. Personally id leave him running the show he was very refreshing and candid compared to Thurston and others who've appeared in front of select committees.
The former HS2 Ltd. Chief Executive, Mark Thurston left HS2 Ltd. at the end of September. I am grateful to Sir Jon Thompson for taking on additional responsibilities in an Executive Chair capacity until a successor is in post. Sir Jon will continue to be supported at Board level by Deputy Chair Elaine Holt. Recruiting a new Chief Executive is a priority for HS2 Ltd. and the Department and we expect to be able to announce an appointment early in the new year.