HS2: Midlands Portal is Being Prepared Ahead of TBM Launch

HS2 published the Midlands construction site’s first footages managed by Balfour Beatty Group and VINCI Construction JV.

“The BBV joint venture will be one of the biggest recruiters in the region over the next two years, as the construction of HS2 Phase 1 creates 7,000 jobs across the Midlands. That underlines how vital HS2 is to leveling up prosperity and opportunity across the country, as we build back better from this pandemic.”

Before the Herrenknecht-made TBM delivery in early 2021 following the launch in mid-summer 2021, 250,000m3 of material is dug up and transported to the environmental embankments.

“Critical to the successful delivery of Europe’s largest infrastructure project – HS2, the 2,000-tonne tunnel boring machine will set off on its journey from the portal next Summer, traveling from North to South to create the twin-bore Long Itchington Wood Tunnel.”

TBM will finish the first underground journey (1.6km in length) toward the South Portal in approximately five months. From that point, it would be excavated and repositioned to be put into operation for the second time toward the North Portal. The BBV JV is also building a second tunnel, the Bromford Tunnel, and multiple bridges on this section of the Long Itchington Wood.

To receive more details on the proposed project, visit