HS2 has reached a milestone as tunnelling begins towards Euston, advancing high-speed rail delivery into London.
High Speed Two’s route into central London moved significantly closer to completion as a tunnel boring machine (TBM) began its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston station. The start of tunnelling represents a critical milestone for HS2 and the wider UK digital construction sector, signalling renewed confidence in delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure into dense urban environments.
The 4.5-mile tunnel will form part of the final approach into central London, unlocking the full operational and economic potential of the high-speed rail line. According to Camden Council, redevelopment at Euston could contribute £41 billion to the economy by 2053 and support around 34,000 jobs, alongside new housing and commercial development.
Engineering progress across the HS2 route
The Euston tunnelling works build on substantial progress already achieved across the HS2 network. To date, the programme has delivered 23 miles of tunnels, 19 bridges and two viaducts along the route between London and Birmingham. The Old Oak Common launch is part of a broader sequence of engineering milestones that continue to shape one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects.
The TBM, weighing 1,624 tonnes, was officially activated during a visit by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, Rail Minister Lord Hendy, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Wild, and Transport for London Commissioner Andy Lord. The machine will excavate and construct the tunnel simultaneously, installing pre-cast concrete segments as it advances.
This first TBM is one of two that will construct parallel tunnels to Euston. It has been named ‘Madeleine’ in honour of Madeleine Nobbs, former president of the Women’s Engineering Society, reflecting the project’s recognition of engineering heritage and professional contribution.
Digital construction and tunnel delivery
The tunnelling operation demonstrates the application of digital construction methods at scale. TBMs operate using integrated digital control systems, real-time monitoring and data-driven logistics to ensure accuracy, safety and efficiency. These technologies are essential when constructing tunnels beneath complex urban environments such as west and central London.
Lord Hendy highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating: “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.”
He added that taking HS2 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”.
Economic growth, jobs and regeneration
HS2 continues to play a central role in regional and national economic strategy. With more than 33,000 people currently employed on the project, HS2 is expected to add £10 billion to the west London economy over the next decade. This includes the delivery of approximately 22,000 homes and almost 19,000 new jobs.
Darren Jones described the launch as part of a wider programme of infrastructure renewal: “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.”
He emphasised that improved connectivity between cities supports trade, mobility and long-term economic resilience.
Resetting HS2 delivery and governance
Since joining HS2 Ltd, Chief Executive Mark Wild has led a comprehensive reset of the programme, focused on cost control, safety and delivery confidence. Reflecting on the start of tunnelling, he said: “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.”
Wild confirmed that the tunnelling milestone forms part of the “strong foundations” needed to complete HS2 safely and efficiently, improving long-distance rail journeys between London, Birmingham and beyond.
Integrated transport and Euston redevelopment
Transport for London is working closely with HS2 and government partners to ensure Euston becomes an integrated transport hub. Andy Lord noted that the milestone supports faster journeys, improved interchange and wider regeneration: “We’re working closely with our partners to ensure the best possible experience for customers interchanging between London Underground, London Buses, HS2 and National Rail services at Euston.”
Future delivery at Euston will be overseen by the Euston Delivery Company, which will manage the HS2 station, redevelopment of the existing station, London Underground upgrades and associated commercial development.
Sustainable logistics and construction delivery
The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) is responsible for the tunnel drives. Managing Director Richard Adams explained that the works will remove more than 1.5 million tonnes of material and install over 8,000 pre-cast tunnel rings, manufactured in Hartlepool. All materials will be transported by rail, eliminating more than 70,000 lorry movements and reducing local disruption.
The start of tunnelling to Euston reinforces HS2’s role in digital construction, economic growth and integrated rail delivery, demonstrating how infrastructure programmes can be reset and delivered.
Read next: The hidden cost of AI agent sprawl – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
