North East Link mini borers dig 1.3km of new sewer lines under Melbourne

A complex tunnel boring operation is clearing a path under Melbourne’s inner suburbs for the $15.8 billion North East Link. SEE THE VIDEO.

High tech “mini” tunnel boring machines have dug more than 1.3km of new sewer lines under inner Melbourne suburbs to clear a path for the $15.8 billion North East Link.

The complex underground operation, which is part of a $300 million package of early works, was devised to reduce road disruption before major construction starts later this year on the toll road — which will connect the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen to the M80 in Greensborough.

As well as building a new 1.8km sewer line, and connections to hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses, 2.5km of gas pipes and 2km of power lines have also been shifted.

A progress map showing work on the 1.8km Yarra East Main Sewer tunnelling project. Image: Supplied

During an exclusive tour of the mini TBM launch sites, NE Link chief executive Duncan Elliott told the Herald Sun one of the challenging parts of the project was clearing the path for a tunnel and new road to be built in an established area, rather than a green field site.

Already about 900 workers were on the project, ahead of major construction later this year, including on the beneath-ground sewer dig.

Portals have been built at several sites in Bulleen where seven TBMs were released for their digs that provide for pipes almost 2m wide.

“It’s a sizeable piece of infrastructure to allow us to build the sewer in the most disruption-free way,” Mr Elliott said.

One of the North East Link portals where a new sewage line is being constructed.

“We can keep operating (sporting) fields, the surrounding areas, the car parks, you can keep going on the (Freeway) golf course.”

A preferred bidder for major works – worth about $7-9 billion – was recently selected by the Andrews Government, which is still dealing with the acquisition of dozens of homes and 100 businesses in Bulleen and nearby suburbs.

The selected consortium is called Spark and includes WeBuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships.

The major package of works includes a win three-lane tunnel under Bulleen, and key interchanges.

Meanwhile, work to start building a new Bulleen Park and Ride facility along the Eastern Freeway busway begin in coming weeks.

Plans include for a 5000 sqm “green roof community park” on top of a 370-bay car park, with walking and cycling paths to connect to Koonung Creek Trail.

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