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Type
Lecture

Saltley Viaduct Gas Diversion: caisson shaft sinking and micro tunnelling

Event organised by The British Tunnelling Society

Date
10 April 2025
Time

This event has now ended

Overview

This project, part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) Development at Sublot 4, to divert approximately 260m of IP Gas main involved the construction of caisson shafts and an undertrack crossing (UTX) beneath the operational railway line into Birmingham to facilitate the diversion.

HB Tunnelling were tasked with designing and installing a pipe jack tunnel beneath the railway in difficult ground conditions.

The tunnel spanned approximately 108 meters in length featuring a 1.2m ID / 1.43m OD reinforced concrete pipe at a depth of 16 meters below ground level.

This lecture will explore the challenges, design considerations, 3rd party approval, and underground techniques used in this critical infrastructure project.

Following the lecture, there will be a networking session, with food and drinks at the ICE Kendal's bar sponsored by HB Tunnelling Ltd.

HB Tunnelling Limited

HB Tunnelling Limited

HB Tunnelling Limited is a rapidly expanding and innovative company that provides a broad range of specialist services. HB Tunnelling Ltd was established in 2009. We provide specialist services to the United Kingdoms leading main contractors and utility companies within the water, oil, and gas industries.

Organised by

British Tunnelling Society

British Tunnelling Society

The BTS is a dynamic group of tunnelling professionals sharing knowledge within the industry.

Speakers

Kevin Sharkey

Kevin Sharkey

HB Tunnelling

contracts director

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Kevin Sharkey

Kevin Sharkey is a highly experienced tunnelling professional with 20 years in the industry, working across the UK and Australia, holding senior roles at HB Tunnelling Limited, Joseph Gallagher Ltd, Johnston Trenchless Solutions and Rob Carr Pty Ltd. Kevin is currently Contract Director at HB Tunnelling Ltd, he leads the project delivery teams and oversees day-to-day operations of the business on complex tunnelling and trenchless projects across the UK.

Kevin has delivered 10,000’s km of micro-tunnelling installations in a wide range of ground conditions, using tunnelling systems such as Iseki, Herrenknecht, and various open-face TBMs. Known for his client-focused approach and practical problem-solving, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge in trenchless technology, shaft sinking, and project delivery.

Hugh Early

Hugh Early

HB Tunnelling

senior project manager

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Hugh Early

Hugh Early is one of HB Tunnelling Ltd.’s most experienced Project Manager with over 15 years in the construction industry, specialising in shaft sinking, micro tunnelling, and trenchless solutions.

Over the past decade, he has delivered key infrastructure on major programmes including HS2, Tideway, and Crossrail.

Hugh was the project manager on the Saltley Viaduct Gas Diversion for HB Tunnelling and his leadership on high-value, technically challenging schemes highlights his expertise in delivering efficient and safe trenchless works in urban environments.

For more information please contact:

Shelly-Ann Russell

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