Hyde Heath Sinkhole
We have been made aware of a second sinkhole occurring above one of the HS2 tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in Hyde Heath.
The sinkhole took out part of a farm track and public footpath adjacent to Hedgemoor Wood, Hyde Heath. We are glad to hear no injuries were reported, but this again highlights the risks involved with tunnelling through geologically unstable chalk.
We understand that the on-board monitoring systems alerted the TBM crew to unstable ground conditions so that above ground surveying was in place when the sinkhole occurred. However, having previously been told tunnelling procedures would normally mitigate against such sinkholes occurring, it is particularly concerning that a second hole has appeared 6 months after the well reported sinkhole developed in the grounds of Shardeloes historic parkland.
We await further updates from HS2 and their contractors.
Credit: Gareth Williams
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