HS2 Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Caroline has emerged from the ground at the project’s Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London.

The TBM’s 9.48 metre diameter cutterhead, front and middle shield (weighing 850 tonnes) were lifted from the earth on Sunday 25 May following the completion of its 5-mile journey from West Ruislip, which began in April.

During its journey, the TBM successfully excavated more than 1.2 million tonnes of earth, installing 4,217 tunnel rings as it travelled along its course.

The TBM, which was named by local schoolchildren after astronomer Caroline Herschel, has been busy at work constructing a portion of the Northolt Tunnel, an 8.4 mile stretch currently being built by four TBMs.

Once completed, the Northold Tunnel will carry HS2 trains from Old Oak Common Station to the outskirts of London.

TBM Caroline’s arrival follows the removal of the first TBM to arrive at Green Park Way, Sushila, earlier this year.

All images have been provided courtesy of HS2 Ltd.

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