North East Link

What more could we say about 2024 🎉 Here are some of the key milestones achieved with Major Road Projects Victoria as we build the North East Link tunnels, M80 Ring Road Completion and Eastern Freeway Upgrades.

Here’s your 60 second run down on what we’re up to on the Eastern Freeway Upgrades. Stefan goes through what’s been happening between Burke and Tram roads ahead of a big 2025 ☝️

Milestone moment ⛏️ Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Zelda has now tunnelled 1km on her journey to Bulleen! After launching earlier this year, both TBM Zelda and Gillian are working under Yallambie, making their way towards our site at Lower Plenty Road, where they’ll break through for a brief stint above ground. In Bulleen, 5 road headers continue building the section of tunnel between our Manningham and Trinity work sites that will seamlessly connect an upgraded Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels, helping take 15,000 trucks off local roads a day and slashing travel times by 35 minutes. Learn more https://bit.ly/49IHOTS

‘This kind of initiative is really important because we are keeping resources in use.’ In an Australian first initiative, North East Link tunnels contractors Spark North East Link Tunnels D&C are building on research conducted by the University of Melbourne and working with Elecsome Pty Ltd. and Boral to help build a circular economy by reusing old solar panels in concrete. So far 43 solar panels have been used in a test pour of 14 m3, with more planned across our tunneling sites. Learn more from Jessamine, Dean and Neeraj 🎬

A welcome bridge for Watsonia 🔗 Works recently started on the new landscaped Watsonia Road bridge that will connect locals to Watsonia shops. 🛍️ An 800-tonne crane was used to lift 28 Super-T beams into place, with each beam weighing nearly 100 tonnes! 🏗️ Once all 56 beams are in place, crews will start building the bridge deck and make space for the road lanes beneath that will connect a completed M80 Ring Road to the North East Link tunnels. Learn more https://bit.ly/3ZkOjri

M80 Ring Road Completion having an Impact. Through a partnership with Yooralla and its Impact Program, the M80 Ring Road Completion team is creating valuable work experience opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The team recently welcomed Impact Program participants with site tours to learn about the project and how it connects to the North East Link tunnels, engaging sessions on safety, culture and teamwork. Two participants have joined the team for three months' work experience. Owen is working with Shining Knight Facility Services at our AK Lines Reserve site with his support worker, Sabrina. While Letitia has joined the Safety team in the office with her support worker, Luke. This is one way we’re building inclusive workplaces. #InternationalDayofPeoplewithDisability #IDPwD

Finishing touches 🎨 The acoustic shed in Winsor Reserve recently had a makeover! With the help of Victorian artist, Tai Snaith, the shed now features local flora and fauna, adding some pop to the area. 🍃 Acoustic sheds are often used during tunnelling and are one way we’re helping minimise the impact of noise, light and dust while we build North East Link.

From curious kids to seasoned pros, everyone has been diving into the fascinating world of tunnels! 🌟 Recently, the kinder students at Happy Valley Learning Center explored tunnelling and even built their own cardboard tunnel! 🎨 Meanwhile, our next batch of tunnellers are learning about North East Link at the Holmesglen Victorian Tunnelling Centre as they start working on some of the biggest TBMs in the Southern Hemisphere. 🌏

Social Enterprise    Noun    A business that operates to tackle social problems, improve communities, provide access to training and employment, or help the environment.     This Social Enterprise Day we’re reflecting on the 36 organisations North East Link worked with last financial year.     By focusing on marginalised or disadvantaged communities we hope to create meaningful opportunities that people can benefit from during the life of the project and beyond.     Here are just some of the numbers achieved from the 36 businesses engaged 👇    #SocialEnterpriseDay #GEW2024 

A beaming #ThrowbackThursday Here are some more snaps of the recent beam lifts over the Hurstbridge rail line last month. Crews installed 26 concrete beams, each weighing up to 26 tonnes! Once complete they’ll form part of the Grimshaw Street interchange. Learn more https://bit.ly/47CSsux