Call to ban tunnelling technique
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Labour called for a ban yesterday on the tunnelling technique used at Heathrow where a series of collapses at the weekend brought chaos to the airport, writes Danny Penman.
Michael Meacher, shadow Transport Secretary, said the method should not be used until it 'could be proved safe'.
The new Austrian tunnelling method - originally developed for excavating rock - was being used for the first time in London clay at Heathrow.
Developed in the 1960s, it was used on sections of the Channel tunnel but engineers are concerned that it may be inappropriate for London clay.
Doubts were first raised after the collapse of a tunnel in Munich earlier this year, which opened a crater in a main road, swallowing a bus and killing two people.
Mr Meacher, in a letter to Brian Mawhinney, the Transport Secretary, sought an assurance that no further tunnelling using the Austrian method will be allowed until a report is ready on the Heathrow collapse.
The method involves sinking a vertical shaft and then excavating with earthmovers. As the cavern is opened the walls are lined with steel netting and sprayed with concrete.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments