The mini TBM will relocate a 190 m section of a 120 year-old pipe and marks the beginning of work on the five new underground stations that will be constructed during the project.
“The mini TBM will bring us one step closer to a brand new station under St Kilda Road and is a glimpse of the major tunnelling works to come,” said Mr Andrews.
The tunnel will run from Albert Road, under St Kilda Road, to Domain Road in South Yarra to make way for the new Domain underground station.
The machine will take less than two weeks to complete the task and will be remotely operated from the Albert Road site office.
Following her inspection of the TBM, Ms Allan said, “Using the mini TBM will significantly reduce disruption to trams and our roads while we get on with this massive project, which will enable us to run more trains, more often, every single day.”
Mr Andrews and Ms Allan also announced the opening of a station naming competition, which will be open until 22 October, giving Victorians the opportunity to name the new stations at Arden, Parkville, Domain and under Swanston Street in the CBD.
The prize for competition winners comprises a behind the scenes tour of the Metro Tunnel worksites and the TBMs that will be used during the construction, as well as the opportunity to see the station just before it is opened to the public.
Mr Andrews said the competition was an opportunity for all Victorians to engage with the project.
“We want as many Victorians as possible to have their say on what they’d like the five new underground stations to be named.
In July, Mr Andrews named Cross Yara Partnership (CYP) – a JV comprising Lendlease Engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction and Capella Capital – as the winner of the project’s most significant contract.
CYP will be responsible for building and fitting out the 9 km Metro Tunnel, as well as the construction of five new underground stations.
Up to six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) could be used during construction, each up to 100 m long and weighing more than 1,000 t.
Major tunnelling under Melbourne’s CBD is expected to take place next year.
For more information visit the Premier of Victoria website.
If you have project news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Managing Editor Nick Lovering at nlovering@gs-press.com.au
Image supplied by Metro Tunnel