Tunnelling bores ahead with the launch of the project’s second TBM
In a year of project milestones, the Airport Link team has had reason to celebrate again with the launch of its second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) – the largest of its type to operate in Australia.

The TBM, nicknamed Sandy, has commenced excavation in the westbound mainline tunnel and will take approximately 12 months to complete her 2.5km journey from Kalinga Park to Lutwyche.

Thiess John Holland Project Director Gordon Ralph congratulated the project team on the successful launch of the 3,600 tonne machine which arrived to the Port of Brisbane in pieces in April 2010.

“Today Sandy joins the project’s other TBM Rocksy who has been boring away in the eastbound tunnel since mid-July and is progressing well,” Mr Ralph said.

“Rocksy has already excavated more than 80 metres of tunnel and installed 37 complete concrete rings, forming the permanent lining of the tunnel.”
At peak production, both machines are expected to excavate up to 85 metres of tunnel per week. 

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Airport flyover to open early as part of Airport Roundabout Upgrade project
The new Airport Flyover is expected to open its first lane to cars in October an incredible 13 months before the original scheduled completion date of Nov 2011.

Thiess John Holland Project Director Gordon Ralph congratulated the Airport Roundabout Upgrade project team of 400 people who have worked day and night over the past 6 months to construct the 20 metre tall bridge structure.

All four lanes of the flyover will be progressively opened after November with the bridge expected to be fully operational at least six months before the November 2011 date.

With segment installation nearing completion, the focus will now shift to finishing work for the flyover which includes the installation of concrete barriers, lights, safety screens, asphalt surfacing and line marking, as well as construction of the fast diamond intersection which will ultimately replace the airport roundabout.

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