HS2 has taken a decisive step toward reaching central London as the first of two giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) began digging the 4.5‑mile Euston Tunnel today. The machine—launched at Old Oak Common by Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy and Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister—marks the start of HS2’s advance into the heart of the capital.
This milestone signifies a pivotal phase in delivering high‑speed rail into Euston, a move expected to unlock substantial regeneration, new housing, and long‑term economic growth across the area.
Lord Hendy said:
“It was brilliant to switch on the tunnel boring machine at Old Oak Common today – not just because it’s an engineering marvel – but because it brings HS2’s journey to Euston another step closer to reality.
“We’re putting HS2 back on track, and taking the railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to deliver more jobs, more homes, and a long-term boost to the whole British economy.”**
Darren Jones added:
“There’s nothing boring about tunnel boring. Today’s launch was a brilliant moment for the UK’s railways, building on six major rail tunnel and road milestones completed ahead of schedule last year.
“We're boosting the links between our big cities across the country to create more opportunities for people to trade, meet and socialise with each other, turning the corner on years of decline.”
Part of HS2’s ‘Comprehensive Reset’
The launch comes amid HS2’s full programme reset led by CEO Mark Wild, aimed at establishing a clearer construction sequence and providing greater certainty around final costs and opening timelines.
He said:
“On my first day at HS2, I unveiled the Euston TBMs as they were being prepared to build the Euston Tunnel. Just over a year on, we’re beginning to excavate the tunnel - a show of confidence that HS2 will be built into central London and kickstart economic growth.
“Over the past 12 months, I have been leading a comprehensive reset across HS2 to get it back on track and I am confident that we’re on the right path to delivering HS2 safely and efficiently. The start of tunnelling here today is a part of the strong foundations we can build upon to completing HS2 and deliver better journeys for rail passengers.”
Once complete, HS2 will open in stages, initially running between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street. Services will extend into Euston once the new station and its integrated transport hub are finished.
A newly created Euston Delivery Company will oversee the affordable redevelopment of Euston, including the HS2 station, the upgraded Underground station, and commercial regeneration across the wider site.
Independent research commissioned by Camden Council suggests a locally led Euston regeneration could deliver £41 billion in economic value by 2053 and create 34,000 jobs.
Cllr Richard Olszewski said:
“Euston holds a once-in-a-century opportunity to boost the national economy, build much-needed affordable homes, and create new jobs for people in Camden and beyond.
“The start of tunnelling brings us a step closer to that future, adding new momentum and even-greater confidence in Euston’s potential to be a driver of national growth.
“In Camden we stand ready to lead the next chapter of Euston’s vibrant history through a new, locally led development corporation - working with the GLA and Government to make Euston a place that delivers for the country, the capital and our communities.”
Engineering the Euston Tunnel
Manufactured by Herrenknecht AG in Germany, the TBM was shipped to the UK in 2024 and reassembled inside the vast Old Oak Common station box. Engineers from Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV) have spent the past year preparing the machine.
The TBM will work continuously, excavating and installing over 48,000 concrete segments, progressing at approximately 16 metres per day.
Supporting operations is the Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel—completed in January 2024—allowing materials and spoil to be transported while keeping heavy lorries off local roads. More than 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material will be moved via conveyor to the Willesden logistics hub and then by rail for reuse across Kent, Cambridgeshire and Warwickshire.
Richard Adams of SCS JV said:
“We are delighted to be commencing our final TBM drives to build the two 4.5 mile tunnels to Euston. During this work our TBMs will remove over 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material and place more than 8,000 pre-cast rings, built in a dedicated facility in Hartlepool.
“Our tunnel segments and excavated material will all be transported by rail and managed through our state of the art logistics hub. This will remove over 70,000 lorry journeys the local road network, emphasising our commitment to being a good neighbour and greener construction.
“SCS JV has already driven 8.4 miles of twin bore tunnels under London, from West Ruislip to Old Oak Common, and our expert teams on site will work 24/7 to deliver these final HS2 tunnel drives with the highest levels of safety and productivity.”
The TBM—named Madeleine, after former Women’s Engineering Society president Madeleine Nobbs—will also pass beneath the resting place of engineering great Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Once finished, the Euston Tunnel will complete 27.5 miles of deep-bore tunnelling between London Euston and Birmingham Curzon Street, with 23 miles already complete.
Images: HS2
