TBM delivery underway for T2D project

The first of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components for South Australia’s biggest infrastructure project have arrived in Adelaide.

The shipment of a TBM cutterhead delivered in five pieces, marks a milestone in the delivery of the $15.4 billion North-South Corridor project.

The largest and heaviest centre section weighs around 175 tonnes and measuring nine metres in diameter and once assembled it is approximately 15 metres in diameter.

The components will be transported from Port Adelaide to the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project Southern Precinct in Clovelly Park. They will then be reassembled and commissioned ahead of tunnelling works starting in the second half of 2026.

The T2D Project is jointly funded by the Federal and South Australian governments and is expected to support around 5500 jobs per year during construction.

In total, three large-scale TBMs, each over 100 metres long, will be used to construct the twin 4.5-kilometre Southern Tunnels and twin 2.2-kilometre Northern Tunnels, as part of the $15.4 billion build.

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Two TBMs will launch from the project’s Southern Precinct in Clovelly Park, while the third is set to launch from the Central North Precinct at Richmond, making the T2D Project an Australian first of three TBMs operating at the same time.

Emily Bourke, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport for South Australia, said the arrival of the first TBM components is more than a delivery.

“It’s the next step in a project that will reshape South Australia’s transport future,” said Bourke.

“This colossal cargo made a safe voyage and now it’s time to make history underground.

“These machines will drive real progress, supporting local jobs and helping deliver a non-stop South Road that will reshape the way we move through Adelaide.”

For more information, visit: www.t2d.sa.gov.au/