05.10.18
Euston site cleared for new HS2 approach tunnel
HS2 work to demolish former carriage sheds at Euston station has been completed, revealing the full scale of the approach tunnel for the new high-speed rail link’s London terminal for the first time.
The nine-month demolition of the old Euston carriage sheds paves the way for specialist tunnelling teams to arrive on site next year.
HS2 will deliver 11 new platforms at Euston station in two phases, more than doubling the station’s capacity and linking it to the Euston Square tube station.
Twin 13-mile tunnels will take 360 km/h trains out of London via a new rail station at Old Oak Common, and at the southern end a tunnel portal will be built on the site of the old carriage sheds.
HS2’s London programme director, Rob Carr, said: “The demolition of the old carriage sheds marks an important step forward for the project, clearing the way for the start of construction works next year, and the delivery of one of the most exciting new stations on the HS2 route.
“I’d like to congratulate the team on a job well done and look forward to moving ahead to the next stage of the project.”
The work was managed by HS2’s London enabling works contractor, CSJV, working with demolitions contractor Keltbray.
Specialist teams used drones to survey the inside of the Victorian structure, before more than 7,000 glazing panels were removed and cranes removed the 27 50 metre trusses which supported the ceiling.
The sheds, built to house carriages and later used for Royal Mail trains, have been out of use since 2004.
Peter Jones, CSJV programme director, said: “The CSJV team, consisting of people employed from the local area and other experienced professionals, alongside Keltbray have worked carefully and efficiently to ensure that this structure has been demolished safely.
“It marks a great milestone in the construction of HS2 and shows the fantastic progress that we are making in Euston and across Area South.”
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Image - Completed Euston site