HS2 has completed the excavation of the Old Oak Common station underground box following 3 years of work.
This achievement marks a key milestone in the construction of HS2’s new station in west London, where high-speed trains will stop.
The underground box is 20 metres deep and includes a 1.12-mile fibre-reinforced concrete diaphragm wall. Meanwhile, 1.3 million tonnes of London Clay has been removed from inside it. This volume is enough to fill over 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The excavation was completed by HS2’s Station Construction Partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture (BBVS JV) alongside specialist structures contractor, Expanded.
32,000 tonnes of steel rebar and 160 reinforced concrete columns have been installed in the box to help support the structure.
Now that it has been excavated, the team will pour the final sections of the base slab to fully complete the structure.
“The progress here at Old Oak Common moves us one step closer to completing this key transport hub, which will enhance connectivity and drive regeneration in the area. We are excited to move forward to the next phase of construction and continue delivering this transformative project.”
The east end of the underground box has been handed over to HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, SCS JV, who will construct HS2’s tunnel to Euston.
Two giant tunnel boring machines will be lowered into the underground box later this year before the station team commences building the roof structure of the station.
Ultimately, six 450-metre-long platforms will be constructed in the underground box for HS2 trains.
Above ground, eight further platforms are being built and will be served by the Elizabeth Line, Great Western Mainline services and the Heathrow Express.
“The tremendous progress made by our construction team to complete the excavation of the box is an exciting milestone for the project as it signals the next phase of construction where high-speed platforms will be built, as well as the station building itself.
“HS2’s Old Oak Common station will be transformational for local and regional connectivity and attract huge investment, development and regeneration to the surrounding area.”
