TBMs forge ahead towards city centre

Tunnelling in Domain is in full swing following the relaunch of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) Millie and Alice. The TBMs are making their way from the Anzac Station site under St Kilda Rd towards the CBD, a 1.8km journey that will see them tunnel under the Yarra River before breaking through at the site of the new Town Hall Station more than 30 metres beneath the southern end of Swanston St. The relaunch of the tunnelling machines follows the completion of the 1.7km eastern section of tunnels between Anzac Station and the eastern tunnel entrance in South Yarra last year. Following the breakthrough at South Yarra, the TBMs were retrieved, transported back to the St Kilda Rd site, reassembled and launched to build the twin tunnels towards the city. As tunnelling continues, works to build Anzac Station are progressing above and below ground. The completion of station roof construction in 2020 meant the 300-metre-long station box was successfully built directly under St Kilda Rd, all while keeping traffic, trams and cyclists moving safely through the area. Excavation is currently underway for the train-tram interchange station entrance, which will be the major entry point for Anzac Station. A second station entrance near the Shrine of Remembrance is also taking shape. Pop-up parks prove a popular spot The pop-up parks at Domain Rd and Albert Road Reserve are proving popular with people looking to enjoy the alfresco life. Despite Melbourne’s weather turning unseasonably cool, residents and their pups enjoyed food and entertainment at the recent launch of the Albert Road Reserve pop-up park – delivered by the Metro Tunnel Creative Program. The program has extended the existing park on Domain Rd, South Yarra, and added the Albert Rd park so more people can dine outside while following social distancing •