Balfour Beatty VINCI has initiated the last tunnel boring machine (TBM) to dig tunnels for HS2, the new high-speed railway in the West Midlands. The 1,600-tonne TBM has commenced the second bore of HS2's Bromford Tunnel, which will take high-speed trains in and out of Birmingham. The first TBM, named 'Mary Ann,' has completed around one third of her journey towards Birmingham and is expected to finish in Autumn 2025. The full Bromford Tunnel program is being delivered by around 450 people working for Balfour Beatty VINCI.
The tradition of naming HS2 TBMs after famous women from the local area continues, with the second TBM being named 'Elizabeth' after Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, chosen by pupils from Paget Primary School in Birmingham. The TBM is being operated 24/7 by a specialist tunnelling team working for Balfour Beatty VINCI's sub-contractors Tunnelcraft and Solihull-based Rorcon. The company has also recruited nine tunnelling apprentices, including formerly unemployed people from the local area, providing a unique opportunity to learn new skills and start a new career.
Catherine Loveridge, HS2's Senior Project Manager, expressed excitement about the last West Midlands TBM getting underway, marking another key moment for HS2 in the region. She highlighted the significant local involvement in the project, with over a third of the total HS2 workforce being based at worksites across the West Midlands. Additionally, Solihull-based company Rorcon, which was awarded a subcontract by Balfour Beatty VINCI, is involved in the Bromford Tunnel program, with around 60 people, including one apprentice, working on the project.
The school engagement program by Balfour Beatty VINCI has involved pupils at Paget School in Birmingham, who named the second TBM 'Elizabeth' after learning about famous women from Birmingham. The chosen name honors Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, who played a significant role in the welfare, health, and education of women and children in Birmingham. The involvement of local companies and the engagement of the community in the project highlight the positive impact of the HS2 project on the local area.