Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Zelda has broken through in Bulleen, completing the excavation of the first of North East Link’s two three-lane tunnels.
Starting its journey from Watsonia just under two years ago, Zelda has completed just over 5 kilometres of the 6.5 kilometre North East Link northbound tunnel on what is considered a missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network.
TBM Zelda is one of two 15.6-metre-wide and 90-metre-long machines digging Victoria’s largest road tunnel from Watsonia to Bulleen.
TBM Gillian is continuing excavation on the southbound tunnel and is expected to break through after this year.
In addition to excavating the tunnels, the TBMs have been installing more than 43,000 precast concrete segments made locally in Benalla, while more than 4,000 culverts made in Echuca are creating a service tunnel to allow access for maintenance vehicles.
Upon completion, the TBMs will be dismantled and removed from site, with the parts to be recycled or returned to the manufacturer for other use.
Crews are continuing with building the road inside the tunnel and installing electrical, lighting and safety systems while above ground, while works will continue on the connections into the tunnel, the new Greensborough Road boulevard, and two ventilation structures.
The tunnels will provide a direct route for up to 15,000 trucks every day and reduce driver travel time by up to 35 minutes between Melbourne’s north and east, and are scheduled to open in 2028.
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