The Central Interceptor’s smallest tunnel boring machine (TBM) Victoria has completed its microtunnelling work underneath Auckland, New Zealand.
The TBM broke through into a shaft at Mt Roskill, as part of Watercare’s works on the wastewater tunnel, the Central Interceptor.
Victoria first began work over 18 months ago to build a new wastewater and stormwater pipe across Keith Hay Park that will connect to the 16.2km Central Interceptor.
This pipe will allow for major housing development in the area and reduce wet weather overflows into local beaches and waterways.
The 4.5m diameter Central Interceptor tunnel runs from Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant to central Auckland, with two new link sewers collecting flows from west Auckland.
It is the largest wastewater infrastructure project in New Zealand’s history and will significantly reduce wet weather overflows into waterways.
TBM Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the remaining machine left doing tunnelling works and is approximately 60m under Mt Albert, heading towards Western Springs.
The Central Interceptor project is on track for completion in 2026. By then, it will be fully operational up to Grey Lynn. The Point Erin extension will be commissioned in 2028 when it connects to an upgraded Herne Bay Trunk Sewer.
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