Webuild, as part of Spark North East Link, is proud to announce the breakthrough of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) Gillian and Zelda at the Lower Plenty Road box - a significant milestone for the project. 

The Lower Plenty Road team has been preparing the box since September 2023, excavating approximately 372,000 cubic metres of dirt to make way for the TBMs to breakthrough. The breakthroughs were met with excitement across the Project, with teams on-site to celebrate this momentous occasion. 
 
Since launching from Watsonia last year, TBM Gillian has already excavated 1.6 kilometres of tunnel, installing more than 6,470 concrete segments along the way.  
 
TBM Zelda has excavated over 920,000 tonnes of rock and dirt, and over 7110 segments have been installed.    

Both TBMs will now undergo mechanical inspections and maintenance before continuing on their journey towards Bulleen in mid-April.  

Both TBMs, Gillian and Zelda, are impressive state-of-the-art machines – measuring 15.6 metres in diameter, extending over 90 metres in length, and weighing more than 4,000 tonnes.

The North East Link is a game-changing infrastructure project designed to greatly improve Melbourne’s transport network. As Victoria’s largest road project to date, it will feature the state’s longest road tunnels once completed.

Connecting the Eastern Freeway to the M80 Ring Road, the project is set to remove approximately 15,000 trucks from local roads, ease congestion, cut travel times by up to 35 minutes, and enhance safety for motorists across the region.

Beyond transforming transport, this landmark development is generating thousands of jobs, boosting economic growth, and delivering lasting benefits to the local community.

Excavation is expected to be completed in 2026 with the North East Link Tunnels set to open to the public in 2028.

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About Webuild

Webuild is a global leader in the design and construction of large, complex projects in the sectors of sustainable mobility, clean energy, water, and green buildings. 

Over its almost 120-year history, Webuild has delivered over 3,700 successful, large-scale projects. 

Webuild operates in 50 countries, with a diverse workforce of 92,000 people who represent more than 120 nationalities, and a robust supply chain of more than 17,500 businesses. 

Webuild supports clients in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. 

Webuild is headquartered in Italy and listed on the Milan stock exchange (WBD; WBD.MI).

About Spark Joint Venture

The Spark North East Link Design & Construct Joint Venture is delivering the North East Link Program’s primary package (North East Link Tunnels) for the Victorian Government.

The project includes 6.5km of three-lane twin road tunnels to provide the missing transport link between the M80 and the Eastern Freeway, taking 15,000 trucks off local roads every day and reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes for commuters. 

Spark is comprised of Webuild, CPB Contractors, GS Engineering & Construction, and China Construction Oceania.