Webuild, as part of the Spark Joint Venture, is excited to announce the commencement of tunnelling works on the North East Link (NEL) Project, a transformative infrastructure project set to significantly enhance Melbourne’s transport network.

This is a significant milestone in the project’s timeline. Utilising state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBMs), the consortium will excavate twin three lane tunnels, each approximately 6.5 kilometres in length, beneath Melbourne’s northeastern suburbs.

The assembly of the TBMs has been a meticulous and complex process, executed by a dedicated team of engineers and construction professionals. One of the most significant milestones in this phase was the lift of the second cutterhead, marking one of the final major lifts for the project.

These impressive TBMs measure 15.6 metres in diameter, over 90 metres in length, and surpass 4,000 tonnes in weight. With such massive dimensions, the TBMs are engineered to handle the demanding task of excavation. They are projected to excavate an average rate of approximately 10 metres per day.

NEL is Victoria’s largest ever road project, and once complete, the tunnels will be the longest road tunnels in the state. 

The NEL Project aims to provide a seamless connection between the Eastern Freeway and the M80 Ring Road, alleviating congestion, reducing travel times, and improving safety for motorists across the region. 

This landmark project is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and deliver lasting benefits to the local community.

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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 118-year history, Webuild has delivered over 3,200 successful, large-scale projects. 
Webuild operates in 50 countries, with a diverse workforce of 87,000 people who represent more than 100 nationalities, and a robust supply chain of more than 17,500 businesses. 

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.