The 2.8 metre diameter sewer will carry excess rainwater and sewage during storms, preventing flooding back into streets and properties.

The Lovat mixed ground tunnel boring machine (TBM), ‘Dora’, tunnelled for two miles at a depth of 15–20 metres in subterranean London. ‘Dora’ was able to progress at up to 40 metres per day when fully operational.

The tunnel runs under a number of notable London landmarks, including the London Underground Jubilee line and the Beatles' infamous Abbey Road. The tunnel also runs over the Channel Tunnel rail link.

Construction of the sewer began in May and was completed in early December. The new tunnel will link with the existing sewer network, of which three miles of sewers are also being enlarged and modernised.

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The new sewer is part of a greater £90 million scheme undertaken by Thames Water to protect up to 800 homes and businesses from the risk of sewer flooding in the Forest Gate, West Ham and Stratford areas in East London.

For more information about major projects being undertaken by Thames Water, click here.