By Lynda Myer
In order to advancing the Melbourne’s North East link twin road tunnels, the TBM is being assembled, while as the first of two Herrenknecht TBMs, components of this machine are being lowered into the 200m-long launch box in Watsonia using a 550-tonne gantry crane. With 90m length, 4000 tonnes weight and a diameter of more than 15m, TBMs are among the largest in the southern hemisphere.
The scheduled date for commencing eacavation of the 6.5km tunnels by these TBMs is the middle of this year, whereas they are going to work their way south from Watsonia toward Bulleen, installing around 44,000 concrete segments.
Additionally, work has started on the underground box structures where the TBMs will end their journeys.
As Victoria’s largest road project, and the biggest investment in Melbourne’s north-east, North East Link is palnned to be completed in 2028.In addition to the tunnels, this project comprises of the Hurstbridge Line Duplication, Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade as well as removing 21 level crossings.
Also the contract to build, operate and maintain the tunnels and key interchanges, has been granted to Spark consortium, comprising Webuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB Contractors, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships.
