HS2 tunnelling machine breaks through years after Maple Cross launch

Florence, named after nurse Florence Nightingale, was greeted with fireworks and cheers from hundreds of HS2 workers who gathered to witness the moment near South Heath, Buckinghamshire, today (February 27).

It was launched in May 2021 from its south portal site near the M25 and Maple Cross.

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The machine dug one of a pair of tunnels with a depth of up to 80 metres that will be used for HS2 trains travelling between London and Birmingham.

A second identical machine will break through in the coming weeks.

HS2 Ltd described Florence as an “underground factory” with a crew of around 17 people working in shifts to keep it running constantly.

It excavated the tunnel, lined it with 56,000 pre-cast concrete segments and grouted them into position, moving at an average speed of 16 metres per day.

Florence, which has a diameter of 10.25 metres, will be dismantled over the coming weeks.

Some large parts will be reused in other tunnel boring machines (TBMs) but many will be scrapped.

The machine digging HS2’s longest tunnel has completed its 10-mile journey under the Chiltern Hills. (Image: PA)

The three million cubic metres of chalk and other material removed during the tunnelling is being used for a grassland restoration project at the site where the machines were launched.

Preparations are also under way for the launch of two more machines to excavate tunnels between Old Oak Common and Euston in the capital.

HS2 Ltd executive chairman Sir Jon Thompson said: “Today is an incredible day for HS2 and I’d like to thank the hundreds of people who’ve worked so hard over many years to make it happen.

The move completes a 10-mile journey under the Chiltern Hills, in North Portal, near South Heath, Buckinghamshire. (Image: PA)

“Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities and also free up space on the existing mainline for more local trains.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but historic moments like today really underline the huge amount of progress that’s been made and the fantastic engineering skills we have on the project.”

Watford area residents are set to benefit from the improvements to capacity between London and Birmingham, but commuter groups have claimed cuts to the overall project could leave locals with few material benefits.

Green Belt groups have also criticised the schemes impact on the environment.