HS2 'cut-and-cover' tunnel pieces click into place

The central structure of a tunnel being built for HS2 has been completed after almost 18 months of work.

The mile-long (1.4km) structure near Wendover, Buckinghamshire, will be one of five "green tunnels" on the route between London and Birmingham.

It has been installed using the so-called "cut-and-cover" method, which involves first digging up the earth alongside the A413 west of the town, assembling the tunnel from 2,740 precast concrete segments, before covering it over again.

Its separate northbound and southbound sections were joined when the final central segment was installed on Monday.

It is hoped that, once complete, HS2 will improve connections between the capital and Birmingham.

HS2 Ltd said contractors would now complete the entrances, floor and internal fittings of the tunnel before covering the structure with earth and landscaping it.

Ellesborough Road, which currently crosses the construction site on a temporary bridge, will also be realigned over the tunnel.

Work began in spring 2025 and is being carried out by HS2's main works contractor, EKFB. Wendover was one of three "green tunnels" being built by the company.

EKFB's project manager, Elton Qafaliaj, said: "Seeing the two halves of tunnel finally come together was a proud moment for everyone involved."

HS2 Ltd's project manager, Umesh Gorasia added: "It's great to see the two halves of the tunnel linked up for the first time.

"Once complete, the green tunnel will dramatically reduce disruption from passing trains and blend the railway into the countryside."

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