An HS2 tunnelling gang in Warwickshire has celebrated the breakthrough of tunnel boring machine ‘Dorothy’ as the cutterhead broke through the wall of the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel.

It’s taken four months for the 2,000 tonne TBM to complete its 1500m second bore, from north to south. Long Itchington Wood is the first twin-bore tunnel to be completed on HS2.

After completing the first bore of the tunnel in July 2022, the 125m TBM was dismantled and returned to the north portal where it was reassembled, ready to start its second journey.

Staff from Balfour Beatty VINCI were on the site to see the cutterhead break through. It has taken three years to complete both bores.

Rail minister Huw Merriman said: ‘This is yet another ground-breaking moment in the delivery of HS2 and the transformation of journeys and communities across Britain.

‘With the help of Tunnel Boring Machine Dorothy, these tunnels are paving the way for HS2 trains while preserving ancient woodland on the land above. These tunnels help ensure that we deliver this transformative project while protecting the natural environment.’