WORK has started on rebuilding a supermarket tunnel that collapsed at Gerrards Cross, Bucks, three-and-a-half years ago.

A major rail accident – a train was travelling nearby – was narrowly avoided when a 30-metre section of the new tunnel caved in on to the line in June 2005, putting the project into limbo.

The tunnel was being constructed in readiness for a Tesco supermarket to be built on top.

Tesco has now received approval from Network Rail to complete construction of the redesigned tunnel.

Contractor Costain has started the first stage of rebuilding the supermarket and tunnel to a design change by Scott Wilson, craning in replacement units to the area of collapse within the existing tunnel framework.

Completion of the tunnel is expected in June next year, and will enable the Tesco store’s 21-week construction to begin.

Tesco has already lost a court battle with its insurers over compensation it paid out to Chiltern Railways.