First of three Tunnel boring machines on way to SA as beams go up for tram overpass
The biggest pieces of construction equipment ever used in South Australia are on their way as the state prepares for an $870m project.
The first of three tunnel boring machines that will be used to complete the northern and southern tunnels project is on its way to SA as part of a $15 billion infrastructure project.
It comes as beams are installed over Cross Rd and Morphett Rd as part of the $870 million tram grade separation projects, supporting more than 1000 jobs.
Transport Minister Emily Bourke described the work as “important” for safety.
The first TBM, fresh off successful factory testing in China, will arrive in SA in October.
Once assembled at the Torrens 2 Darlington project’s base at Clovelly Park, it will begin tunnelling the 4.5km Southern Tunnels – where it will be joined by a second TBM.
The third will launch from a site at Richmond to construct twin 2.2km Northern Tunnels, which will run between James Congdon Drive and the existing motorway south of Grange Rd.
The Southern Tunnels excavation is planned to begin in the second half of 2026.
Ms Bourke described the TBMs arrival as a “pivotal step” in the “largest infrastructure project” in SA’s history, saying the machines are the “biggest pieces of construction equipment” ever used in SA.
“They’re (infrastructure projects) not just about creating easier connection for communities,” she said.
“They’re also about creating jobs.
“5,500 jobs are being created every year for this construction, but 90 per cent of them are South Australians and 90 per cent of that work is going back into South Australian hands.”
The government says the tram separation project is “on track”, with construction of overpasses on Cross Rd, Marion Rd, and Morphett Rd.
Work will also begin this month on installing the South Rd tram overpass, a 95-metre steel arch bridge containing 1,200 tonnes of structural steel.
The Marion and Cross Roads overpass is made up of 52 beams, with the entire length of the bridge spanning 730 metres.
The tram upgrades have seen the popular Glenelg line closed between South Tce and Moseley Square, with work being fast-tracked to minimise disruption to residents and commuters.
Tram services are scheduled to resume in January to coincide with the start of the school year.
“This weekend’s beam installations follow on from the lifts we saw just a few weeks ago and highlights the benefits of doing this work all at once,” Ms Bourke said.
“Since the level crossings were removed back in August, we’ve already seen improvements to traffic flow, showing how important this work is for safety and efficiency at these sites.”
Master Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley said that 2025 will be the “biggest year ever”: for building and construction in SA.
“We’re forecasting $21 billion worth of work for our industry in South Australia, an all time high,” Mr Frogley said.
“That’s something that’s absolutely fantastic for our industry and also our whole economy.”
Mr Frogley also said 93,000 South Australians were working in building and construction, as well as 26,000 businesses.
“It’s a great time for any young South Australian that wants to get into the industry,” he said.
