Our Align joint venture team has drawn on the expertise of our McAlpine Lifting Solutions (MLS) colleagues to help overcome the logistical challenge of assembling the giant tunnel boring machines that will be used on HS2.

McAlpine Lifting Solution’s input includes providing technical advice on the selection of suitable cranes to support each stage of the assembly works for the two tunnel boring machines that will be used create the 16km Chiltern Tunnels section.

The giant tunnelling machines are each around 120m long and incorporate components weighing in at up to 205 tonnes and measuring up to 10m in diameter and 20m in length.

MLS has also implemented and set-up safe systems of work during enabling phases for a number of the small to medium sized contractors involved.

For this the team created hazard analysis and risk assessments for numerous pieces of lifting equipment.

Works have also included the review and sign-off of lifting operations for the set-up of welfare units and site power supply for the enabling works contracts.

Evation on cutter head for the HS2

It is really good to engage with our Joint Venture partners in order to demonstrate the specialist skillset within McAlpine Lifting Solutions. It was even better to deliver our promises.

Craig Hook, Head of McAlpine Lifting Solutions

Latest Infrastructure news

Green Apple award for project with sustainability at its core
27 Nov 2024

The sustainable approach to delivery taken by our AmeySRM JV team on the A533 Expressway Replacement Bridge Scheme has seen the project honoured with an international Green Apple Environment Award.

Read more about
HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct wins design award
26 Nov 2024

Colne Valley Viaduct named winner in the 'engineering' category  of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust’s Building Beauty Awards - 2024 

Read more about
A19 named England’s No1 road
08 Nov 2024

The Strategic Roads User Survey by Transport Focus highlights the remarkable success of the A19 DBFO Project.

Read more about

Latest news

Raptor cranes at 2 Finsbury Avenue
10 Jan 2025

Raptor cranes enhance productivity at 2 Finsbury Avenue, British Land’s iconic dual-tower project redefining Broadgate’s skyline.

Read more about
2 Finsbury Avenue celebrates bottoming out ceremony
10 Dec 2024

Guests gathered at the lowest point of the structure’s foundations, just over 50m below ground.

Read more about
ONE Station Hill reaches practical completion
06 Dec 2024

Congratulations to all those who have worked on ONE Station Hill in Reading as the project completes.

Read more about