Work was halted last month when quality issues were found in the first batch of 5,020 segments manufactured by Stanton Precast in Ilkeston Derbyshire for main contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall.

Exhaustive tests have been carried-out on the already installed segments with HS2 set to decide imminently what, if any, remedial work is required.

Site sources on the 2.5km Chipping Warden Green Tunnel have told the Enquirer that they are getting ready to restart assembly work next week.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: “Chipping Warden is the first of three green tunnels made of precast segments and it’s important that we take the time to get the quality assurance and installation process right.

“Initial test results have been positive and we are actively engaging with our supply chain partners to ensure that we are ready to restart assembly as soon as possible.

“Meanwhile, excavation and foundation works are progressing well and off-site segment production is ongoing.”