HS2 is asking members of the public residing in Ealing, Brent, and surrounding areas, inviting their participation in naming the next two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) scheduled to excavate HS2 tunnels beneath the capital.  

In early 2024, HS2 will introduce two TBMs to commence construction on the Northolt Tunnel East, traversing through Brent and Ealing. The TBMs will embark on their journey towards Greenpark Way in Greenford, covering 3.4 miles from HS2's Victoria Road site, situated near the new Old Oak Common station.  

Prior to their deployment, the TBMs are traditionally bestowed with names. Following tradition, HS2 is seeking input from the public to select two names from a shortlist of five, all with meaningful connections to Ealing. Naming the TBMs serves to honour and commemorate remarkable local women from diverse backgrounds.  

The shortlist of names comprises:   

1. Amy Barbour-James (1906 -1988): A native of Acton born to Guyanese parents, Amy was an active participant in the civil rights movement. She played significant roles in organizations such as the African Progress Union and the League of Coloured Peoples, eventually becoming the secretary of the latter in 1942. 

2. Lady Anne Byron (1792 – 1860): Lady Byron, an educational reformer and philanthropist, established the Ealing Grove School in 1834 – the first school for the working classes during a period when education was primarily accessible to the affluent.   

3. Brigid Brophy (1929 – 1995): Born in Ealing, Brigid was a British writer and advocate known for her work in social reform, LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and humanism. She played a key role in the establishment of the Public Lending Right, enabling authors to receive compensation for public library book loans.   

4. Emily Sophia Taylor (1872 - 1956): Emily served as a midwife, offering essential services to women who lacked access to care. She also held the distinction of being Ealing's first female mayor in 1938, actively contributing to the Education Committee and the Child Welfare Committee, and instrumental in establishing the Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937.   

5. Susan Mary Smee (1859 – 1949): Susan achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Acton's first female mayor in 1924. She also served as the first Justice of Peace and the inaugural curator of Gunnersbury Park Museum. Her pioneering efforts paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.   

One of the Northolt Tunnel East TBMs ready to be named and reassembled at HS2's Victoria Road Crossover Box site (image via HS2).

The chosen names will be prominently displayed on the sides of the TBMs, which will be lowered into a shaft in preparation for tunnelling in the Autumn.  

Prior to their launch, a special ceremony featuring a statue of St. Barbara, the patron saint of tunnelling, will be conducted by a local priest to bless the TBMs.   

Maddelyn Sutton, HS2's Head of Community Engagement, commented on the naming initiative, stating: "As HS2 construction begins to reach its peak, we are preparing to launch our next duo of tunnel boring machines in London.  

"Giving the TBMs names with local connections is a great way for us to celebrate the achievements of women and for the local community to get involved in this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project."   

Both TBMs measure 170 meters in length and weigh over 1,700 tonnes each. They will be operated by HS2's primary works civils contractor responsible for building the London Tunnels, the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture.   

The tunnel they will construct spans a total length of 8.4 miles, stretching from Old Oak Common station to West Ruislip. The remaining 5 miles of the tunnel are currently under construction, with two additional TBMs, named Sushila and Caroline, already one mile into their tunnelling journey.  

Voting for the TBM names is open from Monday, August 21st, until Monday, September 4th, 2023. Further information on HS2's TBM naming initiative can be found here.