HS2 has begun assembling two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the final 4.5 miles to allow trains to get from Old Oak Common in Acton to London Euston.
The move comes after the Labour-run Government confirmed that HS2 will finally go into Euston after months of uncertainty from the previous Conservative Government.
According to HS2, it’s expected to take 18 months to reach Euston.
In keeping with its tradition, HS2 has named the TBMs after prominent women in history. One is called Karen after Karen Harrison, the first female train driver in the UK who was based out of Old Oak Common depot and the second is called Madeleine, after Madeleine Nobbs, former president of the Women’s Engineering Society.
The unveiling of the TBMs – the final set to be launched for the railway between London and the West Midlands – marks another significant milestone for HS2.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The sheer scale of the progress at Old Oak Common – and the benefits we will realise from taking HS2 to Euston, as confirmed in the Budget – reminds us that this is a once-in-a-generation project. HS2 will not only improve transport links for millions but unlock huge potential for growth, jobs and regeneration right across the country.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “After so much uncertainty, it’s great to finally be working with a Government that recognises the huge importance of this scheme to London and the UK, and understands why terminating HS2 at Euston is so important. It’s exciting that these tunnel boring machines will soon be getting work underway.”
Mr Khan added: “This is another example of the difference that the new Government’s approach is making in London, delivering real benefits that will help to build a fairer and greener London for everyone and deliver the change Britain needs.”
 that will be the final 4.5 miles to allow trains to get from Old Oak Common to London Euston.){kind=link}