New Zealand, News, Tunnelling, Wastewater

Central Interceptor’s 18 gantries slotted

Central Interceptor’s 18 gantries slotted

The TBM was launched in July, with gantries being lowered into the shaft as tunnelling progressed since the launch.

The Central Interceptor TBM, known as Hiwa-i-te-rangi, is now 190 m in length.

Each gantry will store the equipment required to run the TBM which will build New Zealand’s longest bored wastewater tunnel.

The gantries will include equipment such as electrical supplies, conveyance, segment feeders and segment erectors.

The gantries are even fitted with lunchrooms and toilet facilities, as well as a refuge to be used in emergencies.

Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture (GAJV) is part of the construction of the tunnel as the delivery team.

GAJV tunnel manager Michele Petris said he welcomed the announcement.

“Completing the assembly of the tunnel boring machine was a good way to finish this very weird year,” Petris said.

The Hiwa-i-te-rangi TBM is now finished underground as the final gantry was slotted into place.

An acoustic shed is being constructed above the launch shaft to reduce noise and strict COVID-19 safety protocols are being followed.

The Central Interceptor is New Zealand’s largest ever wastewater project.

It comprises close to 20 km of tunnels, 19 shafts, a major pump station and considerable wastewater management and network infrastructure works.

The project plans to run underground from Grey Lynn to Watercare’s Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

For more information visit Watercare’s website.

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