Work

Underground tunnelling works using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
Construction of an underground electricity cable tunnel
Works undertaken from a shallow launch shaft (The Garth Shaft)
Delivered within an environmentally sensitive area (Snowdonia National Park)

Services

Specialist tunnelling labour supply
Highly skilled TBM and shaft operatives
Integrated labour planning and resource management
Safety and leadership support
Community engagement support

Project Description

The Snowdonia Visual Impact Project is a landmark National Grid initiative aimed at reducing the visual impact of existing electricity infrastructure within Snowdonia National Park. As part of the solution, a new section of cable route is being constructed underground using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) launched from The Garth Shaft. Joseph Gallagher Ltd was selected to provide specialist labour supply for the TBM works.

Scope of Works Delivered

Joseph Gallagher Ltd is supplying highly skilled tunnelling operatives to support Hochtief with all manpower requirements relating to TBM operations at the Garth Shaft, including:

TBM Labour Supply
Leading Miners
TBM Operators
Miners – Erector operators and
Ring Builders
Grouters
Segment crane operators
TBM backup crews
Loco operators
Pit bottom Chargehands
Lifting Teams

All labour is provided on a 24/7 rotational shift basis, aligned with production requirements for continuous TBM excavation. Joseph Gallagher Ltd deployed operatives experienced in TBM excavation, deep shafts, and environmentally sensitive construction, ensuring Hochtief had the right skills onsite from day one.

Integrated Labour Planning

Joseph Gallagher Ltd’s resource team works closely with Hochtief planners to adjust labour levels in line with TBM progress, mechanical downtime, and programme changes, enabling steady progress on the underground cable tunnel through the provision of consistent, high-quality tunnelling labour.

Joseph Gallagher Ltd operatives have integrated seamlessly with Hochtief’s shaft and tunnelling teams, demonstrating strong collaboration and professional standards.

JGL attends weekly labour-planning meetings, delivers weekly safety engagement tours, and supports monthly senior leadership tours, with ongoing input into the project’s senior safety leadership meetings. Joseph Gallagher Ltd also supports volunteering initiatives during the project, helping to build positive relationships with the local community.

Joseph Gallagher Ltd is playing a critical role in the successful delivery of the Snowdonia Visual Impact Project, supporting Hochtief and National Grid with a specialist TBM and shaft labour supply package at the Garth Shaft. Through high competency operatives, strong safety performance, and reliable workforce delivery, Joseph Gallagher Ltd is helping ensure the tunnel is constructed efficiently, safely, and with minimal environmental impact in one of the UK’s most sensitive landscapes.

This project further demonstrates Joseph Gallagher Ltd’s capability as a trusted provider of tunnelling labour supply services on complex National Grid and major infrastructure projects.