Tunnel boring machines
Tunnelling update
- Arden to Parkville
- Domain to South Yarra
- Follow our progress in the TBM tracker
- Environmental management
- Learn more about TBMs
Arden to Parkville
Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been launched separately from the Arden Station site.
The first TBM, Joan, was launched from the Arden Station site in May 2020, and was followed by the second TBM, Meg, which launched in early June 2020.
In August 2020, TBM Joan broke through into the Parkville Station site. This completed the first of the twin tunnels from Arden to Parkville, with TBM Meg breaking through in the coming weeks.
Watch our Construction Manager Bored Tunnels – West, Adam Gorny provide a general overview about tunnelling from Arden to Parkville.
Domain to South Yarra
Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have also been launched separately from the Anzac Station site and are travelling towards the eastern tunnel entrance at South Yarra.
The first TBM, Millie, was launched from the Anzac Station site in April 2020, and was followed by the second TBM, Alice, in May 2020.
Watch our Construction Manager Bored Tunnels – East, Andreas Mindt provide a general overview about tunnelling from Domain to South Yarra.
Tunnelling in the CBD
Next year, following roadheader excavation of the tunnels through the CBD stations, TBMs will carve out the twin tunnels between Town Hall Station and State Library Station around 30-40 metres below Swanston Street.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about our TBMs
- Introducing our TBMs
- Tunnel staging and depth maps
- Noise and vibration from tunnelling
- TBM gallery
- A scale model of our TBMs is on display at Metro Tunnel HQ on Swanston Street.
- Dig into more details in our TBM fact sheet (PDF, 934.6 KB) and Tunnelling fact sheet (PDF, 692.1 KB)