Case Study

Engineering Excellence in the Midlands: Driving the HS2 Bromford Tunnel

The HS2 Bromford Tunnel is a vital 5.6km twin-bore tunnel that carries the high-speed rail line into Birmingham. This significant stretch of infrastructure represents one of the longest drives in the HS2 network, utilising two 8.6m diameter Variable Density Herrenknecht TBMs.

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Client

HS2 (High-Speed Two)

Main Contractor

Balfour Beatty VINCI Joint Venture

Duration

February 2023 to Ongoing

Equipment

Twin Bore Variable Density Herrenknecht TBM

Tunnel Information

8.6 metre diameter –   5.6 km Long

Overview

Commencing in February 2023, the Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) Joint Venture required a highly skilled and resilient workforce to manage the complex logistics of a long-distance drive. Building on the success of previous collaborations, Tunnelcraft was selected to provide a full spectrum of technical personnel and a robust apprenticeship programme to sustain the project’s long-term goals.

The Challenge

Operating a tunnel of this length—5.6km—introduces specific technical and social challenges that require a forward-thinking labour partner:

Workforce Sustainability: A project of this duration necessitates a constant pipeline of new talent and “up-to-the-minute” training to ensure safety and competency remain at the highest levels.

Extended Mobilisation Needs: Transitioning from previous tunnel sections into the Bromford phase required a reactive and professional mobilisation strategy to maintain project momentum.

Specialised Slurry Management: The Variable Density TBMs require expert oversight of Slurry Treatment Plants (STP) to manage the excavated material over long distances.

The Solution

Tunnelcraft delivered a comprehensive workforce solution that blended technical expertise with a strong commitment to community and skills development:

Collaborative Stewardship: Maintained a “fully collaborative” relationship with the BBV design and delivery teams, providing the professional reliability needed to navigate the complexities of a 5.6km drive.

End-to-End Technical Staffing: Supplied every critical role from Pit Bosses and TBM Operators to specialized Mechanical and Electrical Foremen, ensuring round-the-clock operational stability.

In-House Training & Reactive Mobilisation: Leveraged Tunnelcraft’s own training capability to quickly upskill personnel, ensuring all activities progressed safely and complied with stringent HS2 standards.

Investment in the Next Generation: Collaborated closely with the BBV Stakeholder & Community team to recruit, mentor, and deploy the next cohort of Tunnelling Apprentices, as well as feeding candidates into other trade apprenticeships.