Two giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been lowered into the ground in Burwood – ready for tunnelling to start on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).
The 500-tonne TBM shields were assembled on the surface and lifted into the shaft using a specialised heavy-lifting crane.
This innovative approach allowed work to continue within the launch site and on ground level while TBMs were assembled.
In a Victorian first, the TBMs will launch using an ‘umbilical method’, where tunnelling begins while the TBM is still being built.
The front part of the TBMs will launch first, relying on a system of long cables and hoses that connect back to the surface for power and support systems. When the first section of the tunnel has been excavated, the remaining sections of the TBM will be installed. At this stage, the fully assembled TBMs will be approximately 120m long.
In keeping with tunnelling tradition, the TBMs have been named after outstanding Victorian women. Alice recognises acclaimed Melbourne musician and producer Alice Ivy, and Hacia honours construction industry advocate and Empowered Women in Trades founder Hacia Atherton. TBM Alice will be first to launch, followed by TBM Hacia, and both will travel towards Glen Waverley.
