Our mini tunnel boring machine, Dora the Bora, has broken through and completed the first of 3 tunnels deep under ground, as part of works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossings at Union Road and Mont Albert Road.
Dora was lowered into a 10-metre-deep shaft in Lorne Parade Reserve to begin tunnelling works and has now completed a new route for a large watermain, which is being lowered to run below the floor of the future rail trench. Work will commence soon on 2 more tunnels for massive new stormwater pipes.
We are powering through major construction and have already installed 66 of 1,260 steel-reinforced concrete piles that will form the walls of the 1.3-kilometre-long rail trench.
The tunnel boring break through marks a significant project milestone as we prepare for a major winter construction blitz from Friday 8 July to Monday 25 July.
During this time, roads and the rail line will close and our crews will work 24/7 to complete essential works, including installing 6 giant bridge beams that will support the road bridges over the rail trench at Union and Mont Albert roads.
Find out more about upcoming disruptions and detour routes.
We’re removing the level crossings at Union Road and Mont Albert Road by lowering the rail line into a 1.3-kilometre-long trench beneath Union Road and Mont Albert Road and building a new, premium station. The boom gates will be gone for good, and the new Union Station open in 2023.
