The first pieces of North East Link’s monumental tunnel boring machines (TBM) are being built overseas, while the project’s TBM launch box is being built in Watsonia.
Production of segments for the North East Link Tunnels is now underway and will continue until late 2025.
A total of 360 segments a week are expected to be made and transported to Watsonia ahead of tunnelling next year.
North East Link Tunnels is continuing to speak to potential suppliers in order to secure the range of products required for tunnelling, including in Benalla where the largest precast concrete manufacturing facility will play a crucial role for the project.
The major contract will secure regional jobs and boost the local economy with Benalla business LS Precast, to make more than 44,000 concrete segments for the 6.5km North East Link Tunnels.
The manufacturing facility has already supplied 49,000 concrete products for the West Gate Tunnel Project, including 28,000 segments to line the twin West Gate Tunnels.
With tunnelling now complete on the West Gate Tunnel Project and all concrete pieces produced, the Benalla facility will bring its skills and expertise to help build the twin tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen.
The North East Link Program completed piling works in April within its site on the east side of Greensborough Road, Watsonia, forming the structural foundations of the 40-metre deep, 200-metre-long TBM launch area.
Four giant piling rigs have been hard at work digging 379 holes since last October, with each hole being reinforced with a steel cage and filled with concrete.
Subscribe to Trenchless Australasia for the latest project and industry news.