The government has confirmed that HS2’s first tunnel boring machine has started its 4.5‑mile drive from Old Oak Common towards Euston on 27 January 2026, marking the formal start of the Euston tunnel works. The Department for Transport framed the move as a key step in taking HS2 into central London. (gov.uk)
HS2 Ltd says the first machine, ‘Madeleine’, weighs 1,624 tonnes and will both excavate and install precast concrete segments to form the tunnel lining. A second machine will follow to create the parallel bore to Euston. HS2’s published construction update indicates the second TBM is due to launch about a month after the first. (gov.uk)
Operational detail published by HS2 sets expectations for a progress rate of up to 150 metres per week at depths typically 35 to 40 metres below ground, with both machines expected to reach the Euston cavern by late June 2027, subject to programme performance. (hs2.org.uk)
The launch was attended by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones and the Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy, alongside HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild and Transport for London’s commissioner Andy Lord. Their presence signals continued ministerial oversight of the HS2 ‘reset’ led by HS2 Ltd since late 2024. (gov.uk)
Government material confirms that delivery at Euston will be taken forward by a new Euston Delivery Company responsible for an integrated transport hub: the HS2 station, redevelopment of the existing Network Rail station and upgrades to the London Underground interchange, alongside commercial development across the campus. HS2’s own Euston pages reiterate that the company is being established and will provide the single directing mind for the campus. (gov.uk)
The policy context is shifting in parallel. The Railways Bill, intended to establish Great British Railways and bring track and train under a single public body, was introduced in the House of Commons on 5 November 2025 and cleared second reading on 9 December 2025. The Transport Committee took oral evidence from the Rail Minister on 7 January 2026 as scrutiny moves to the detailed design of GBR and accountability arrangements. (bills.parliament.uk)
Economic modelling cited by the Department for Transport draws on Camden Council’s estimate that regeneration linked to an HS2 terminus at Euston could contribute around £41 billion to the UK economy by 2053 and support 34,000 jobs. Camden has published the underpinning analysis and argues for a locally led development corporation to maximise benefits. (gov.uk)
HS2 adds that construction activity centred on Old Oak Common is forecast to boost the west London economy by about £10 billion over the next decade, with the potential for more than 22,000 homes and almost 19,000 jobs, according to research commissioned by HS2 Ltd. (mediacentre.hs2.org.uk)
Delivery partners have set out logistics designed to cut disruption. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture expects to remove over 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material, install more than 8,000 precast rings manufactured in Hartlepool, and move segments and spoil by rail, avoiding an estimated 70,000 lorry journeys on local roads. (gov.uk)
The Department for Transport also points to programme progress already achieved on the London–Birmingham section, including 23 miles of tunnels, 19 bridges and 2 viaducts completed. Over 33,000 people are currently working on the railway, according to HS2 Ltd and government figures. (gov.uk)
For passengers and residents, near‑term effects will be limited to construction impacts. HS2’s community notice advises that some ground‑borne noise may be perceptible as the machines pass and during cross‑passage works, with updates promised as tunnelling advances beneath west and central London. (hs2.org.uk)
Next steps include the planned launch of the second TBM for the downline bore and continued definition of the Euston Delivery Company’s governance and funding model. In parallel, Parliament’s examination of the Railways Bill will shape how Great British Railways interacts with the Euston hub once operational. (hs2.org.uk)