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TBM launches under Sydney Harbour

Sydney Metro’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kathleen has launched 30 metres below ground, deep underneath Sydney Harbour.

According to a Sydney Metro media statement, the TBM has tunnelled the first 100 metres of its one kilometre journey.

“Once the first tunnel is complete, Kathleen will build a second tunnel under Sydney Harbour, before being retrieved at Blues Point and taken away by barge,” the statement reads.

“The machine is expected to tunnel through clay, silt and sediment and will use state-of-the-art tunnelling technology to safely make its way under the harbour.”

Four TBMs have already completed half of the 31 kilometres of tunnel for Sydney Metro City & Southwest.

“This specialised TBM is named after Kathleen Butler, who played a vital role in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the technical advisor to legendary engineer John JJC Bradfield,” the statement reads.

“It is expected to take TBM Kathleen four months to complete her first tunnel.”


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