The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) story in video
How the TBM works
TBM is turned on for the first time - May 2021
The Tunnel Boring Machine was turned on for the first time at the Link Alliance's Maungawhau site by then Transport Minister Michael Wood and then Auckland Mayor Phil Goff pressing the start button in May 2021.
Breakthrough to Karanga-a-Hape Station - October 2021
Breakthrough to Te Waihorotiu Station - December 2021
TBM sets off for midtown to build the second tunnel - April 2022
TVNZ’s Seven Sharp takes a journey through the first tunnel
The final breakthrough - 14 September 2022
The TBM broke through to Te Waihorotiu Station on 14 September 2022 meaning both twin CRL tunnels had been built.
Meet the crew
The brave bold crew of our Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) going where no-one has gone before included experienced Parisian-born engineer Marine Barthomuef (26).
Earlier - When the shield was moved to the portal - March 2021
The TBM shield- the 7.15 metre revolving cutter head at the front of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)- was successfully positioned in front of the Link Alliance Maungawhau Station tunnel portal in March 2021.
Video of the TBM at the Chinese testing site before it was shipped here
The route
Our Walk the Tunnels event- 17 November 2019
CRL halted construction of the Waitematā Station (Britomart) tunnels so the public could walkthrough.
