The final two tunnel boring machines (TBM) have been launched to continue progress on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project.
TBM Millie, named after Victoria’s first female MP Millie Peacock, will build the first 1.7 kilometres tunnel between Anzac Station and the eastern entrance at South Yarra station.
TBM Alice, named after wartime medical hero Alice Appleford, is due to begin works on the second tunnel from the site under St Kilda Road shortly.
The TBMs are the third and fourth tunnelling machines on the project. Components for the two TBMs arrived onsite in late 2019, with assembly beginning in January. Both have undergone comprehensive commissioning and testing.
The first two TBMs, Joan and Meg, broke through at the western tunnel entrance in February 2020 after completing a 1.2 kilometre section of the tunnel.
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The Metro Tunnel Project has put in place strict protocols to ensure the safety of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project is expected to create around 7000 jobs over its life and will help to keep Victorians in work and boost the economy during the pandemic recovery.
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan says Victoria’s Big Build will be vital as the state recovers after the pandemic has passed.
“The Metro Tunnel team are doing an amazing job finding practical, safe ways of working, so we can continue building this urgently needed project in challenging circumstances,” she said.
The Victorian Government is working closely with our Big Build workforce, construction partners and unions to ensure works on vital road and rail projects can continue safely.