Video: Crossrail's first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
By Tom Lawson
Crossrail’s first giant tunnel boring machine (TBM), Phyllis, has broken ground at Royal Oak to construct the first section of tunnel between Royal Oak and Farringdon.
Following the official unveiling of 1,000 tonne Phyllis, Crossrail's first tunnel boring machine (TBM) travelled 400 metres to Royal Oak Portal including under Hampden Street footbridge which was jacked up to allow the 7.1 metre diameter machine underneath.
On Thursday 4 March Crossrail's first tunnel boring machine broke ground. The machine will be slowly pushed into the ground on her journey towards Farringdon.
Andy Alder, Crossrail's Western Tunnels Project Manager, explains the progress that Phyllis will make during her first few weeks.
Gallery
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Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
Crossrail’s first giant tunnel boring machine (TBM), Phyllis, has broken ground at Royal Oak to construct the first section of tunnel between Royal Oak and Farringdon. -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
A major piece of work has been the construction of the launch structure which allows the TBM to propel itself forward. The total force required for the TBM to move forward is equivalent to the force needed to lift over 2,900 London taxis. -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
Work has also been underway to install the major conveyor system behind the TBM to remove more than one million tonnes of excavated material from the cutter head to the portal entrance. -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
A total of 24 kilometres of conveyer belt will be used to construct the western tunnels. -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak -
Crossrail’s first tunnel boring machine breaks ground at Royal Oak
