A tunnel boring machine (TBM) has broken through in Bulleen, completing the excavation of the first of North East Link’s two three-lane tunnels.
Starting its journey from Watsonia just under two years ago, the TBM – named Zelda – has completed just over 5 kilometres of the 6.5 kilometre North East Link northbound tunnel.
The $26 billion North East Link project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($5 billion) and the Victorian Government ($21.21 billion) and is expected to open to traffic in 2028.
While Zelda has been tasked with building Victoria’s largest road tunnel from Watsonia to Bulleen; TBM Gillian will continue excavation of the southbound tunnel and is expected to break through in the coming months.
According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, “This is a really exciting milestone on this huge project that will transform the way we travel through Melbourne’s northeast.
“North East Link will reduce travel times for commuters and freight, while taking trucks off local streets in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.”
The tunnels are expected to provide a direct route for up to 15,000 trucks each day, reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes between Melbourne’s north and east.
To date, over 39,000 precast concrete segments manufactured in Benalla have been installed inside the tunnels.
Crews are now building the road inside the tunnels and installing electrical, lighting and safety systems.
Above ground works are continuing on key connections into the tunnels and the Greensborough Road boulevard.
North East Link is delivering three major road projects, including the new tunnels as well as upgrades on the M80 Ring Road and the Eastern Freeway.
To the north, construction is progressing on the M80 Ring Road Completion flyover bridge.
Traffic is expected to move onto the new Watsonia Road bridge in the coming months.