Case Study

HS2 Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel: Specialist Labour Supply

Tunnelcraft is dedicated to fostering the next generation of tunnelling professionals. We invest significantly in our apprenticeship programme, providing hands-on experience and comprehensive training to build highly competent, site-ready operatives.

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Client

HS2 (High-Speed Two)

Main Contractor

Skanska Costain Strabag (SCS) Joint Venture

Duration

August 2023 – Ongoing

Equipment

7m diameter Herrenknecht Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Tunnel Length

853 Metres

Our Role

Supply of specialist, safety-vetted, and technically proficient tunnelling labour across all operational facets.

Testimonial

“I highly recommend Tunnelcraft as a partner for any tunnelling project.

Tunnelcraft has been engaged on the central section of HS2 to supply specialist tunnelling labour, essential to deliver a tunnelling project of this size and complexity. The extensive knowledge of the Tunnelcraft’s management team in the safety elements and technical challenges specific to tunnelling has made for a smooth transition of highly skilled and qualified labour onto the site.”

Richard Gill

Tunnel Superintendent Skanska/Costain/Strabag (SCS) Joint Venture

The Challenge

The SCS JV required a specialist partner capable of rapidly deploying a comprehensive team of highly skilled personnel to operate and support the 7m diameter Herrenknecht EPB TBM for the 853m drive. The challenge was ensuring seamless integration of specialist labour into the existing workforce, maintaining maximum TBM uptime, and adhering to the stringent safety and quality standards required by the HS2 program.

The Solution

We engaged closely with the SCS JV management team to thoroughly understand the specific mechanical, electrical, operational, and logistical requirements for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) drive. To meet these demands, we supplied a full operational shift cycle of highly specialised tunnelling personnel, covering all areas from the TBM face to ground operations.

TBM Operations & Leadership: Pit Boss, TBM Operators, Lead Miners, TBM Back Up Miners, Multi Service Vehicle Operators (MSV).


Mechanical & Electrical Support: Mechanical Fitters, Electricians.


Ground Support & Logistics: Conveyor Supervisors, Conveyor Operatives, Grout Batching Plant Supervisors/Operators, Water Treatment Plant Operators, Trade Foreman, Crane Supervisors, Slinger/Signallers, Gantry Crane Operators, Plant Operators, Tally Persons.


Segment/Lining: Miners / Erector Operators, Steelfixers, Carpenters.