Earlier in 2026, United Utilities sent 44-ton tunnel borer Lily beneath Knutsford to build a 1.1-mile stormwater tunnel. Now, the finished system will hold 5.5 million liters of rainwater without closing the high street

Knutsford tunnel boring machine Lily has just completed the first major drive beneath the English town, digging deep underground without tearing up the busy streets above. The 44-ton machine is helping build a 1.8-kilometer sewer tunnel designed to store 5.5 million liters of stormwater. The £48 million project aims to reduce pressure on aging sewers and protect local waterways, while keeping everyday life in Knutsford moving.