Matthew has visited the site of the High Speed 2 rail line as it goes underground on its route into London.

The West Ruislip portal marks the start of the Northolt Tunnel. This 8.5 mile tunnel will allow trains to travel to Old Oak Common station. The tunnel is being constructed using four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in two phases, known as ‘Northolt Tunnel West’ and ‘Northolt Tunnel East’.

The TBMs have been names Sushila and Caroline and were specially constructed in Germany. Each weighs over 2,000 tonnes, measures 140 metres in length, and are operated by 15 people, working in shifts non-stop for two years.

Once complete, the train service will more than double the number of seats travelling out of Euston station during peak hours and free up space on the west coast mainline for more local and long distance commuter services to places like Watford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. 

In response to a Parliamentary Question from Matthew, the Department of Transport confirmed that the HS2 programme has recruited over 1,100 apprentices since 2017, over halfway to its target of creating 2,000 apprenticeships over the course of the programme. 

Matthew said “There has been some criticism of the cost of HS2 but given the success of the Elizabeth Line, which I first visited in 2011 to witness the excavation at Tottenham Court Road and again in 2016 when the tunnel was completed I am an advocate for national infrastructure projects.

"The benefits of the scheme, accompanied by employment opportunities and vital apprenticeships, ensure a lasting legacy. The Chancellor has also confirmed that the line will extend all the way in Euston. This means that residents of the Hendon constituency will have options for travel across the country.”