SILVERTOWN TUNNEL
Rorcon supported the delivery of the Silvertown Tunnel, a major river-crossing project designed to relieve congestion and improve reliability across East London.
The scheme required a complex blend of mechanised tunnelling, sprayed concrete lined (SCL) works and precise logistics on a constrained urban footprint. Rorcon provided specialist tunnelling personnel across several critical phases, contributing to the safe and efficient progress of a technically demanding programme.
The primary tunnel drive was executed using a large-diameter tunnel boring machine operating beneath the River Thames. Rorcon supplied experienced crews to support TBM operations, segment handling and the day-to-day activities that keep a mechanised tunnelling process moving without interruption. The work demanded disciplined adherence to safety procedures, coordinated communication with the main contractor and an ability to maintain production performance in a tightly controlled environment.
A major element of the programme involved turning the TBM around for the return drive. This was a complex operation that required close coordination, careful sequencing and continuous monitoring to ensure the machine was safely reoriented with minimal disruption to the surrounding site. Rorcon’s personnel supported this operation by providing the skilled labour and supervision needed to execute the manoeuvre cleanly and maintain the project schedule.
The giant TBM, Jill was launched from the Silvertown Shaft and followed the route of the London cable car.
Beyond the main drive, Rorcon contributed to the construction of sprayed concrete lined cross passages.
These works required specialists capable of operating in confined conditions, responding to variable ground behaviour and applying strict quality and safety standards. Our teams formed the majority of excavation and shotcrete crews, maintaining continuity of resource and ensuring each passage was delivered to specification. Our involvement in the Silvertown Tunnel demonstrates Rorcon’s capability to support complex, high-risk tunnelling operations with experienced personnel who can work to the standard expected on a major urban infrastructure project. The consistency and technical competence of our teams helped maintain production, improve programme certainty and support the safe delivery of a challenging tunnel beneath the Thames.
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