Return of the TBM
The final pieces of the Dame Whina Cooper tunnel boring machine (TBM) were returned to the Mt Eden site at the start of March. This month the Mt Eden team have been working around the clock to reassemble the TBM and prepare it for the upcoming second tunnel drive.
The reassembly involved welding the huge pieces of the machine together and the gantries were pulled closer to the portal to be connected to the TBM’s front shield – readying the machine for testing and commissioning. Additionally, the large overland conveyor which transports excavated spoil from the TBM out of the tunnel, across site and into the spoil basin shed is being reinstalled on site.
With the relaunch on the horizon, we look forward to bringing everyone on the TBM’s second and final underground journey for the City Rail Link this year. Keep an eye out on www.digCRL.co.nz for the latest information.