Tunnel boring machines
A tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a machine that is used to excavate tunnels. TBMs can bore through a variety of ground conditions, from hard rock to sand.
Follow our progress on our TBM tracker.
Tunnelling progress overview
Arden to Parkville
In 2020, two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were launched separately from the Arden Station site towards Parkville.
The first TBM, Joan, was launched from Arden in May 2020 and was followed by the second TBM, Meg, in early June.
In August 2020, TBM Joan broke through into the Parkville Station site. This completed the first of the twin tunnels from Arden to Parkville. TBM Meg broke through into the Parkville site in late September 2020.
Watch our Construction Manager Bored Tunnels – West, Adam Gorny, provide a general overview about tunnelling from Arden to Parkville.
Parkville to State Library
After reaching the Parkville Station site, TBMs Joan and Meg were transferred across the station box and prepared for relaunch.
TBM Joan began the one-kilometre journey towards the State Library Station site in October 2020, followed by TBM Meg in November.
TBM Joan broke through at the State Library Station site in December 2020 followed by Meg in February 2021.
State Library to Town Hall
In February 2021, Joan relaunched for a final time towards the Town Hall Station site with Meg following in March 2021.
TBM Joan arrived at Town Hall Station in April 2021 with Meg following shortly after in May 2021.
Domain to South Yarra
In April and May 2020, two TBMs were launched separately from the Anzac Station site towards the eastern tunnel entrance at South Yarra.
TBM Millie broke through at South Yarra in September 2020, and TBM Alice arrived in October.
Watch our Construction Manager Bored Tunnels – East, Andreas Mindt, provide a general overview about tunnelling from Domain to South Yarra.
Domain to Town Hall
After being transported back to the Anzac Station site, in December 2020 TBM Millie has been relaunched towards the CBD. In January 2021, TBM Alice was also relaunched towards Town Hall Station.
TBM Millie broke through at Town Hall in March 2021 followed by TBM Alice in May 2021. These breakthroughs marked the end of tunnelling for Millie and Alice.
Explaining the tunnelling process
In August 2019, as Joan the TBM prepared to launch towards Kensington, our Director of Tunnels and Underground Stations explained how tunnelling operations would take place on the Metro Tunnel Project.
Environmental management
The Metro Tunnel Project has a comprehensive environmental management system in place for the construction and operation of the new twin tunnels.
Watch our Environment Manager, James Hamilton, provide an overview about environmental management, including noise and vibration, during tunnelling.
Managing noise and vibration during tunnelling
Managing noise and vibration during tunnelling will be based on a best practice approach as undertaken by Metro Tunnel’s contractors on similar projects around the world.
Prior to tunnelling, comprehensive geological testing and environmental assessments are completed.
Property condition surveys will be offered to properties based on an environmental assessment.
Properties located near the path of the TBMs may experience low levels of noise or vibration, however individuals experience noise and vibration differently. During tunnelling, noise, vibration and ground movement will be managed in line with strict Environmental Performance Requirements.
Properties located near the path of the TBMs will be contacted with further information prior to tunnelling commencing in their area.