[JP] Maglev Excavation Halted in Kita-Shinagawa After Unusual Shield Machine Sounds

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[JP] Maglev Excavation Halted in Kita-Shinagawa After Unusual Shield Machine Sounds
Source: Tokyo Shimbun
Original title:
リニア工事、北品川工区で掘進が止まっていた　JR東海「7月29日にシールドマシンから通常と異なる音」
Author: Akihiro Shimada
Date: August 27, 2026, 19:01
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/511517
Accessed: August 27, 2026

On August 27, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa revealed excavation in the Kita-Shinagawa section of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line’s First Capital Circle Tunnel had stopped after “[Translated quote] unusual sounds were detected from the shield machine on July 29.” Inspections are ongoing, with no recovery estimate.

The machine is near Nishishinagawa 1, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo; no surface impact has been found. In October 2025, a road above the tunnel rose due to maglev construction, but work resumed after recurrence prevention measures.

In Machida’s Onoji section, a cutter head stopped on July 31 due to hard ground, with excavation resuming August 26 after confirming no environmental impact.