WorkSafe has completed its investigation into the surface hole at AJ Burkitt Reserve, and we are confident it is safe to resume tunnelling operations.
Crews have stabilised the area above and below ground, conducted detailed investigations and monitored the site around the clock since the surface hole appeared.
The surface hole was caused by a reduction in air pressure at the front of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
Tunnelling will resume today with strengthened controls and monitoring in place, including additional system alerts, updated procedures and permit processes and enhanced operator training. An independent TBM expert has been appointed to review measures, and an additional tunnelling expert will review TBM production.
These measures will help guide the TBMs safely through the remaining 2.5km of tunnelling to the Manningham interchange site compound.
TBM works under households and business are complete, with cross-passage tunnelling works continuing.
Tunnelling is expected to be complete by mid-2026, and you can track the progress of our TBMs live on our website.
Reinstatement of AJ Burkitt Reserve
Remediation works are underway to restore AJ Burkitt Reserve, with the surface hole now filled with concrete and stabilised. Inspections and monitoring will continue to ensure ongoing stability.
Ground testing works will continue over the coming weeks before we replace the upper two metres of concrete with soil and turf and reinstate ground levels. Crews will also repair any damage to ovals, landscaped areas and amenities. This work is expected to be complete by the end of March.
Engagement is continuing with Banyule Council and local sporting organisations to relocate games that are fixtured to take place at the reserve during this time.
We'll continue to work closely with the local community. Thank you for your patience as we completed this critical investigation and initial remediation works.