HS2 enabling: Thames Lee Tunnel internal strengthening works

As part of clearing the way for HS2 (High Speed 2) tunnelling, the Thames Water (TW) Thames Lee Tunnel (TLT) was identified as being within the tunnelling-affected zone. Due to the potential for structural failure caused by factors associated with tunnel boring machine (TBM) activity and the proximity of the TBM path to the TLT, an assessment undertaken by HS2 Ltd and TW identified that a structural liner was required along a section of TLT. Having specialist tunnelling and water skills, Barhale were contracted to undertake design and delivery of a challenging upgrade to reinforce TW’s TLT, a vital source of raw water for East London, against potential damage caused by the passing of HS2’s large TBMs.