Construction work for a huge spoil processing hub has begun at the site of the AUS$6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel project in Melbourne, Australia.
The tunnelling hub will incorporate a massive shed to reduce noise and dust and will be connected to the neighbouring Northern portal site by an elevated, covered conveyor belt.
The conveyer belt will transport excess dirt and rock from the project’s two tunnel boring machines into the shed. Over 1.5 million cubic metres of excavated dirt and rock will be processed at the site.
Crews are already working at the Northern portal site, with the tunnelling hub the third major West Gate Tunnel site to be established in recent weeks.
A footbridge will also be built for workers to easily and safely move between the two sites.
When in operation, 500 workers will be active at the tunnelling hub.
The West Gate Tunnel project will create jobs for more than 6,000 Victorians, according to the project’s website.
