Spark North East Link Tunnels D&C

Check out the largest continuous concrete pour on North East Link to date! It is also one of the largest in Boral’s history.      It took more than 17 hours, 2300m3 of concrete and 800 tonnes of rio to create the 1.75m thick roof slab.

The Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design exhibition is now on display at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen.     The exhibition, in partnership with Webuild, showcases some of the most significant achievements in 20th-century Italian design, exploring the fusion of Italy’s deep-rooted craft tradition with cutting-edge technological advances and creative innovation.     We’re proud to support the Heide Museum as we deliver the North East Link. 

At Spark, we are doing more than building a tunnel - we’re building a more inclusive industry that will leave a lasting legacy long after the project is completed.  It was great to come together to celebrate the success of our social impact programs and their role in creating opportunities for people facing employment barriers. We heard some inspiring stories from partners like Willan Foundation CEO Kaelun Brown and Kate Bonusiak from JustWorks, highlighting the successes so far and the foundation we’re building for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Big progress is being made at our Lower Plenty Road site, that will become one of the interchanges for the North East Link tunnels.    After this section of work is finished, we will build the new Borlase Park Reserve, returning a vibrant green space to the community with 5 MCGs of new parklands along Banyule Creek.    Hear from one of our engineers Costa about what’s been happening, and what’s to come.  

We’ve hit a major milestone in Manningham with all diaphragm walls within the wedge now complete. Crews have also worked hard pouring 1460m3 of concrete as part of the first roof slab. These works will form a section of the future southbound on-ramp at the Manningham Interchange, allowing road users to access the Eastern Freeway via the North East Link tunnels. 

It’s all systems “mo” across the project in support of Movember. Movember raises money to help men lead longer and healthier lives through mental health support programs, suicide prevention, and research into testicular and prostate cancer. Last year teams raised more than $32,000 – the challenge is on to top that figure this year and keep the conversation going about the importance of prioritising good mental health.

Boral has recently opened a new concrete testing laboratory on our worksite in Bulleen.     Australian Indigenous Business Services currently employs a number of Indigenous testers and are actively training the next generation of testers on site.    Local Wurundjeri Aboriginal Community Elders conducted a smoking ceremony to mark the opening.

A culvert operation 🎯 Over 200km away from North East Link construction sites, Echuca company Holcim Australia (Humes) is making 4000 concrete culverts that will form a service tunnel within the twin North East Link tunnels. The 20 tonne culverts are made with a type of concrete mix that reduces environmental impact of building and infrastructure construction projects. The partnership is also creating 60 jobs for the regional town! Learn more https://bit.ly/3A6pib2

We’re one big team at Spark, but it’s been a case of site against site in the inaugural Spark Soccer Championship.   Eight teams are playing in the 12-week tournament.   One of our mantras is ‘Succeed together,’ and we wish each team the best as they battle it out over the coming weeks.

Fantastic night at the NAWIC VICTORIA awards for excellence – celebrating the achievements of women working in the construction industry.  Congratulations to Spark Sustainability Coordinator Mia Deans who received a commendation for the Young Achiever Award. Mia exemplifies our values and continues to challenge industry standards to create a more sustainable future, leaving a lasting legacy. A special mention to all of our nominees – Ekaterini Karabatos, Jagoda Grigorean, Aqilah Amran, Serina Yu, Natalie MacGregor, Coby Weetra, Eunice Quah, Connie Gouskos, Lucy Whalen, Navena Segar, Mark Harrington and Ben Scott. Their contributions have had a strong impact on Spark and the broader industry - paving the way for future women leaders.