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Video: HS2 lifts TBM Sushila via gantry crane after completing 5-mile journey

HS2 has successfully lifted the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Sushila’ out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London, following its 5-mile journey beneath the capital.

TBM Sushila was involved in constructing the Northolt Tunnel which is being built by HS2 London Tunnels contractor SCS JV.

SCS JV combines three of the largest construction companies in Europe: Skanska, Costain and Strabag. The gantry crane used to lift the TBM was supplied by global heavy lifting specialist Mammoet.

The cutter head, front shield, and middle shield - which together weigh 880 tonnes - were lifted from the vent shaft in a single piece using a 750-tonne gantry crane.

TBM Sushila, which has a cutterhead with a diameter of 9.48 metres, was launched from West Ruislip in October 2022 and completed its excavation in December 2024.

The machine is said to have excavated over 1.2 million tonnes of earth and installed 4,217 tunnel rings.

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