Metro Tunnel Project - From TBMs to First Trains: Building a World Class Underground Tunnel from Concept to Completion.

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project is one of the largest transport infrastructure projects undertaken in Australia. TBM tunnelling started in September 2019 to deliver twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels fromKensington to South Yarra as part of a new end-to-end Sunshine to Dandenong line. The tunnel will'untangle' the City Loop by taking three of Melbourne's busiest train lines through new tunnels under the city. It is due to open in 2025 with five new stations. The CYP Design & Construction Joint Venture (Lendlease Melbourne Metro, John Holland and Bouygues Construction Australia) was awarded the contract to deliver approximately 20km of boredtunnels and five new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, Anzac, and two new CBD stations: State Library and Town Hall. These new stations will directly connect to the City Loop and include decline structures at the tunnel entrances. Excavating the tunnels using highly specialised, purpose-built slurry tunnel boring machines (TBM) was the first of four stages of rail tunnel completion. This presentation will focus on three stages following TBM tunnelling and construction and the challenges involved with delivering a complex package of works in preparation for train services. The scope of the presentation includes the delivery of a concrete tunnel invert; installation of track form panels and rails followed by second stage concrete; the installation of an emergency walkway throughout the bored tunnels; MEP worksin the tunnels and the 26 cross passages; Rigid Overhead Conductor Bar (ROCB) installation; signalling works, and lastly, Platform Screen Door (PSD) installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]