First Olympic Park construction complete

Work on the two six kilometre tunnels began April 2006 to allow 52 pylons to be removed ahead of construction on the Olympic Park site next year.

The project faced problems including soil contamination and small ground movements, but workers were able to keep on target to complete the first construction for the Park.

The announcement came during a visit from the International Olympic Committee to check on progress being made on the Games.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games can provide the inspiration to transform communities.

"The completion of the tunnelling is an important first step in the transformation of the Lower Lea Valley.

"The undergrounding of powerlines will provide an uncluttered landscape against which the Games can be staged.

"I am delighted we have been able to update the International Olympic Committee's Coordination Commission on the significant progress we are making."

14 June 2007

Read the full media release