Construction on a new high-speed rail line in Britain has passed a major milestone, with over half (29 miles) of the planned 54.8 mile tunnel network now excavated.
Giant tunnel-boring machines have been digging the tunnels, which will be lined with concrete segments. The machines can advance over 16 meters per day.
Completing over half the tunneling is a significant achievement and shows momentum behind constructing the new high-speed rail line.
The new high-speed rail line will provide a faster, more reliable and low-carbon alternative to short-haul flights and long car trips once complete.
This could encourage more people to shift to rail for transportation rather than using higher-emission modes like cars or planes.
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, so improving rail options supports reducing emissions from the sector.
The new high-speed line is expected to transform rail travel in the UK for generations by substantially improving journey times on important corridors once operational.
Source: TCD
