Watercare tunnelling projects are already well underway for 2023 in Auckland, with progress being made in Warkworth, and the Central Interceptor project.
Watercare is executing earthworks and environmental controls in preparation for the two tunnelling launch platforms required for the Warkworth-Snells transfer pipeline.
Asset upgrades and renewals general manager, Suzanne Lucas, said that the project will help to get ahead of population growth in Auckland.
“The five-kilometre pipeline will be installed using direct pipe trenchless technology. We expect to start tunnelling in mid-2023,” said Lucas.
On the Central Interceptor project, the Hiwa-i-te-Rangi tunnel boring machine (TBM) completed its crossing beneath Manukau Harbour in December.
On 9 January, the TBM began the next stretch of tunnelling, this time heading towards May Road in Mt Roskill.
Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is digging a 4.5m diameter tunnel and, with 10-12 completed tunnel rings being laid each day.
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