Our tunnel boring machine (TBM) Selina started her 5.5km journey from Chambers Wharf in early 2021. In April 2022, Selina reached her last stop at Abbey Mills Pumping Station, marking the end of tunnelling for the super sewer. 

With the tunnel completed, the team constructed a 24m-wide circular concrete ‘lid’ close to the shaft. In March 2024 the lid was lifted and moved into position on top of the shaft. At 12,000-tonnes this manoeuvre represents the heaviest lift on the super sewer project – even surpassing the lifting of Tideway’s six tunnel boring machines early in the programme. Read more in our news article here. 

If you have any questions about our works at Abbey Mills Pumping Station please get in touch with our helpdesk on 08000 30 80 80 or [email protected]  

At Abbey Mills 24-hour working is taking place on site. The final element of 24-hour working will be in April/May 2024, at the base of the shaft and in the tunnel.

Above ground works are taking place during weekdays: 8am to 6pm, with limited activities to support the 24-hour working in the tunnel and shaft continuing on the surface 24-hours a day.

The Tideway construction site sits within an existing Thames Water Pumping Station site. Once Tideway finishes construction the site will remain a Thames Water owned and operated site. 

Marina Willer of design studio Pentagram has been commissioned by Tideway to create a bespoke bronze plaque for Abbey Mills Pumping Station. It forms part of her wider commission for the design of 12 floor-based bronze plaques at sites across the main tunnel route to celebrate the transformational importance of the tunnel.