Second Tunnel Boring Machine Launched on West Gate Tunnel Project

The Tunnel Boring Machine, or TBM, Vida has begun its digging for the 2.8-kilometre inbound tunnel for the West Gate Tunnel Project in Melbourne, Victoria this month.

This tunnelling will take approximately a year, connecting the tunnel to the West Gate Freeway that sits west of Williamstown Road.

Tunnel Boring Machine Bella also began work on its 4-kilometre outbound tunnelling early in February 2022.

These TBMs are the largest TBMs in the Southern Hemisphere. They each measure 15.6-metres in diameter and 90-metres in length, weighing 4000 tonnes each. This can be compared to the Boeing 747 aeroplanes.

The machines are set to dig an average of 9-metres per day and have been specifically chosen due to their ability to work deep underground. Their prowess in this field means that there is almost zero disturbances above ground, making it undetected by residents and traffic.

Crews of workers will follow the TBMs underground, building the road surface and installing electrics, ventilation and safety systems. The project is set to be completed by late 2025.