Status and Plans for the SPS to LHC Beam Transfer Lines TI 2 and TI 8

Beam transfer from the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will be done through the two transfer lines TI 2 and TI 8, presently under construction, with a combined length of about 5.6 km. The final layout, optics design and correction scheme for these lines will be presented. The requirement of simultaneously matching their geometry and optics with that of the LHC will be treated, including the methodology for alignment of the elements along the line and a proposed solution in the final matching section. After the commissioning of the short transfer line TT40 just upstream of TI 8 in 2003, beam tests of the whole of TI 8 are scheduled for autumn 2004, with the aim to validate many of the new features and mechanisms involved in the future control and operation of these lines. The status of the installation will be described, comprising the progress with infrastructure, services and line elements. An outlook will be given for the work remaining until 2007.