The Queensland Government said last week that one of two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) had broken through to the underground cavern beneath Roma Street.
The conditions beneath the Roma Street contained areas of hard rock, and TBM ‘Else’ had to bore through a rock wall in order to penetrate the cavern.
Else has now excavated around 105,000 m3 of spoil between Woolloongabba and Roma Street.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Cross River Rail’s future Woolloongabba and Roma Street Stations are now connected by a tunnel that runs beneath the Brisbane River and CBD.
“Everything about Cross River Rail is big, but this is the biggest milestone yet for this transformation project which is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” he said.
These transport milestones will be significant for setting up the infrastructure to support the 2032 Olympics.
“With 14 active worksites already underway, Cross River Rail is a perfect example of how we’re getting Olympics ready,” said Mr Bailey.
“Having this tunnel stretch more than two-and-a-half kilometres from the future Woolloongabba station all the way to Roma Street is a really tangible reminder of just how transformational this project will be for Queenslanders travelling to, from and through Brisbane in the future.
“The fact that a proposed indoor arena at Roma Street would likely join The Gabba as a key venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games makes the milestone even more special.
‘Merle’, the second TBM, is also expected to break through at Roma Street in the coming weeks.
For more information and to track the Cross River Rail TBMs, visit the Cross River Rail website.