By In order to delivering power for HS2, UK Power Networks has cooperated with Barhale to build a micro-tunnel beneath the Grand Union Canal in West London.
The required power cables for the TBMs that are slated to build the line to Euston, will be carried by this tunnel, whereas UK Power Networks is providing HS2 with 45MVA of electricity supply for the construction of the high-speed railway.
Three new high voltage cable circuits around 3km in length will be energised to the nearby substation which feeds into the network that will power the TBMs.
The scheduld date for delivering Euston TBMs to HS2’s Old Oak Common station site is later this year and they weight over 2,000 tonnes and measures 140m in length and were assembled in the underground box.
An HS2 spokesperson confirmed: “There is still no date set for their launch. Following the government’s Network North announcement in October last year, the funding and delivery arrangements for the Euston Tunnel are being reviewed. Funding needed to be allocated before the main tunnel drive could commence.”
Considering that linking the circuits to its Old Oak Common substation was essential, UK Power Networks appointed Barhale to drive a 125m-long tunnel beneath the Grand Union Canal.
The 6m diameter and 15m-deep caisson launch and reception shafts were constructed and then an Akkermann TBM was deployed to drive a 120m-long tunnel beneath the canal. The 1500mm concrete tunnel was constructed from pipe jacked, pre-cast concrete sections.
While this is the first collaboration between Barhale and UK Power Networks, works are expected to be finished in spring 2024.
According to HS2 head of utilities Niki French: “The delivery of the 33,000-volt cable route was a critical part of the programme to build the high-speed railway into the heart of London. Through close collaboration and great teamwork, we have worked together to ensure the HS2 programme is maintained.”
