Mini tunnel boring machine on show

Mini tunnel boring machine on show

The first of four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will build the Metro Tunnel’s twin 9km rail tunnels is on its way to the Port of Melbourne. It will then be transported to North Melbourne for assembly.

Measuring 7.2 metres in diameter, weighing more than 1000 tonnes and 120 metres in length, the first TBM is due to start tunnelling in May this year. 

Before it does, the public can view a model size replica at Metro Tunnel HQ, the project’s visitor centre located at 125-133 Swanston St.
In mid-2019 the first two TBMs, which launch at North Melbourne, will tunnel north towards Kensington. The third and fourth TBMs will launch at Domain and travel south to South Yarra.
For more information on Metro Tunnel HQ visit: metrotunnel.vic.gov.au

Federation Square transformation

Construction of the CBD’s future Town Hall Station is preparing to move into the next phase following the demolition of the former Melbourne Visitor Centre in late-2018.
Over several weeks, the building was carefully removed piece by piece as crews prepare the site for major construction. Vertical support structures known as piles will be installed deep into the ground over the coming months, to allow rock and soil to be safely excavated later this year.
Uncovering the past

A selection of archaeological artefacts found at the Metro Tunnel’s Town Hall Station site on Swanston St are on display at the Young and Jackson Hotel. Wine glasses, cork screws, champagne-style bottles and lost coins (shillings, sixpence and pennies) from pubs that operated on Swanston St from the mid-1800s to the early 20th century are all on show.
The collection of historical items, which also include Codd bottles and clay pipe mouthpieces, will be on display for the next 12 months.
History buffs can also step into the shoes of the archaeologists who made these finds by visiting Metro Tunnel HQ to experience the state’s biggest ever archaeological digs with a virtual reality experience.

Young and Jackson Hotel, corner Flinders and Swanston streets
Metro Tunnel HQ, 125-133 Swanston St

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