![\"Werrington](\"http:\/\/tunnelingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Werrington-Tunnel-UK-first-underground-freight-route.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe UK rail minister, has officially inaugurated the railway tunnel known as “UK engineering first” with \u00a3200m value.<\/p>\n
The Werrington Tunnel, which was constructed by pushing an 11,000-tonne concrete curve beneath the East Coast Main Line (ECML) near Peterborough, includes a “dive-under” system that is designed in order to take freight traffic off the passenger routes.<\/p>\n
In accordance to the minister, Chris Heaton-Harris’s idea the tunnel is “a major leap forward for the \u00a31.2bn East Coast Upgrade”.<\/p>\n
Second half of 2018, was the commencing date of this project’s construction process, while in January 2021 a curved concrete tube, with over than the Eiffel Tower’s weight, was pushed into place underneath the existing lines.<\/p>\n
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Constructing in nine pre-built sections ahead its installation, the structure has measuring 155m (508ft) long with 1m-thick (3ft) walls.<\/p>\n
The installation process of the new track inside the tunnel was done in July linking to the available network, with signaling installed in September.<\/p>\n
The main intention of this tunnel’s building is ensuring that passenger services were no longer disrupted by freight trains crossing the tracks, as a spokesman for Network Rail said.<\/p>\n
Mr. Heaton-Harris said: “This country’s railways have long been home to marvels of engineering and the new Werrington Tunnel shows that we are continuing that proud tradition.”<\/p>\n
He continued: “Opening this new section of railway marks the end of a project which saw Network Rail engineers deliver an incredible feat unlocking new opportunities for rail freight.”<\/p>\n