On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:22:34 -0000, Mizter T wrote:

"SB" wrote:
Crossrail searches disused east London tunnel for WWII bombs

The Connaught Tunnel was built in 1878 and runs under the Royal Docks

A disused tunnel under the Royal Docks in east London is being
searched by Crossrail for unexploded World War II bombs and devices.

The 550-metre Connaught Tunnel, which was built in 1878, is part of
the planned Crossrail route.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16849396

BUT I have also read (Railway Mag. Feb 2012?) that the Connaught
Tunnel is too run down to be reused for Crossrail and that a new
tunnel will have to be bored.

Does anyone know?

Yes, the Connaught Tunnel will be reused for Crossrail, it just needs some
work done on it.

From the Crossrail website:
http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/tunnelling/tunnel-drives/connaught-tunnel

That's the old plan. A new one was announced today: http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/pres...nnaught-tunnel

Crossrail originally planned to strengthen the central section
of the tunnel by removing the existing steel linings and back
filling the entire section with concrete foam. These tunnels
would then have been enlarged by boring through the concrete to
create tunnels that are large enough for Crossrail trains to pass.

Crossrail will now place cofferdams in the Connaught Passage
between the Victoria and Royal Albert Docks, pump out the water
and create a dry construction site allowing workers to dig down
to the tunnel to undertake the enlargement work through a .cut
and cover. approach.