Engineers from National Grid’s flagship London Power Tunnels project are celebrating after tunneling operations reached a major landmark. Gigantic tunnel boring machine (TBM) Evelyn has now dug its way to its first destination, a pre-prepared shaft deep below National Grid’s Channel Gate Road offices after beginning its journey from Willesden Substation earlier this year. Tunneling operations will now shift to the Channel Gate Road site where Evelyn will begin tunneling to its next destination in Kensal Green.
Evelyn is digging 19 km of the 32-km London Power Tunnels project, which will provide an easy to maintain underground electricity superhighway that will help ensure Londoners are kept connected to safe and reliable electricity supplies. Another TBM Cleopatra, is digging the other 13 km of the route and is currently approximately a kilometer from her launch site in Haringey.
National Grid’s Head of Cable Tunnels David Luetchford said: “The breakthrough represents another major step towards the completion of this vital project so it’s nice to celebrate the occasion.
“National Grid connects people to the power they use. Our breakthrough at Channel Gate Road is just one part of a much bigger story which involves us deploying the best talent and technology available to help ensure the lights stay on.”
The London Power Tunnels Project is due for completion in 2018.
