Melbourne Metro rail project: six tunnel boring machines to be used

SIX tunnel boring machines will be brought to Melbourne as part of the $11 billion Metro rail project.

SIX tunnel boring machines will be brought to Melbourne as part of the $11 billion Metro rail project.

Each machine is more than 100m long, weigh 1,000 tonnes each and are key to building the iconic project.

Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled three consortiums have been short-listed to build the “monstrously” large stage of the project costing $6 billion.

The Public Private Partnership includes constructing the 9km twin tunnels and five underground stations.

“I am confident we are going to get great value here,” Mr Andrews said.

“The best construction companies in the world are lining up.”

The contract will be awarded by the end of 2017.

Mr Andrews said innovative designs, price and previous track records will be used to decide the winner.

He reiterated companies that missed out on the East West Link will not be given an advantage.