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SRL microtunnelling underway

The machine is laser guided, remotely operated, and has a diameter of only 32 cm. At its current rate of 3.75 m per hour, it is predicted to complete the 630 m tunnelling project in six months.

The tunnelling will see the machine moving between pre-dug shafts which will be filled in as each section in completed, minimising the footprint of the project.

The larger rail loop project will involve a number of larger tunnel boring machines (TBM), which will be digging twin tunnels for a new station and rail loop and is projected to commence in 2026.

The SRL project will require approximately 16 kms of twin tunnels between the suburbs of Cheltenham and Glen Waverley. Further digging will be required to complete the tunnel from Glen Waverley to Box Hill.

The longest of these twin tunnels will be approximately 6 kms between Burwood and Glen Waverly, a full 4.2 kms longer than the Metro Tunnel project at 1.8 kms.

The variety of ground conditions through which the TBMs will bore is varied enough that multiple machines will be needed to complete the project.

The project aims to have up to 10 custom built TBMs, launching from three locations in the area. The intention is that more machines will complete the project with a tighter turnaround.

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