£420
HS2's Chilterns Tunnel Boring Machines Launch. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the launch event for the start of the HS2 Chiltern tunnelling for you and a guest. Two enormous 2,000 tonne tunnel boring machines (TBMs), stretching some 170 metres in length, will dig a 10-mile-long twin bore tunnel under the Chilterns as part of the HS2 Phase One works linking London to Birmingham. Both machines are specifically designed for the mix of chalk and flint they will encounter under the Chilterns. Operating a ï¾continuous boringï¾ technique, they are expected to take around three years to excavate the 9.1m metre diameter tunnels which will be lined with concrete as they go. The launch event will take place in 2021, and this auction prize includes a tour around the large south portal tunnel entrance site, which is situated to the west of London, just inside the M25. The site includes a 17-metre-high headwall through which the TBMs will break to begin their long tunnel drive. The winner and guest must be 18 years old or older at the time of the event otherwise they will not be permitted on site. The launch and site visit will have security measures in place that all visitors will need to comply with. The winner and guest will be accompanied whilst on site, they must follow all safety briefings and will be required to wear PPE when necessary. If Covid-19 rules and restriction apply at the time of the launch events these will be adhered to. If the launch event is unable to go ahead for whatever reason, the auction winner will still be able to have a tour of the south portal tunnel entrance site. The winner and guest will have to cover their own travel expenses.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
18% inc VAT*
