22.08.12
‘Phyllis’ reaches Paddington in Crossrail milestone
The first of Crossrail’s tunnel boring machines has reached Paddington from Royal Oak, with the second TBM beginning the journey from Royal Oak Portal towards Paddington.
Work to install a major conveyor belt system, to remove excavated material, will complete once the second machine, Ada, is fully below ground.
Over 12,000 segments have been produced for the western tunnels. A total of 3,680 segments have been used to construct the western tunnels to-date.
TBMs Elizabeth and Victoria are currently being assembled at Limmo Peninsula and are due to commence tunnelling between Docklands and Farringdon this winter.
Keith Sibley, Crossrail area director west said: “Our first TBM, Phyllis, has now successfully reached Paddington having carefully navigated under London Underground’s Hammersmith & City line and the Great Western Main Line. A second TBM, Ada, has now commenced tunnelling.
“Once Ada has made sufficient progress, Phyllis will move forward through the Paddington station box onwards to Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and then Farringdon. The tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon will be completed in late 2013.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]
Image c. Crossrail Ltd