North East Link - Cross Passage Works
Tunnel-spec excavation for cross passage works
Supplying a tunnel-spec excavator and breaker to support cross passage excavation within an active TBM environment
- Location
- Melbourne, Victoria
- Project type
- Tunnelling (Tunnel Boring Machine)
The problem
As part of the North East Link tunnelling works, cross passages needed to be excavated within an active TBM environment.
The requirement wasn’t just an 8-tonne excavator with a breaker.
The machine had to meet full tunnel specifications, including fire suppression and HEPA filtration for safe underground operation.
Standard fleet machines couldn’t meet these requirements without modification.
The solution
Focus Machinery delivered a fully tunnel-spec excavator package, configured for immediate deployment underground.
The solution included:
- 8T Komatsu PC88 excavator
- Hydraulic rock breaker for controlled excavation
- Fire suppression system
- HEPA filtration for operator safety and compliance
The machine was prepared to meet strict underground requirements, ensuring it could operate safely and compliantly within the TBM environment.
This removed the need for additional modification or site-based setup.
The results
The configured solution supported efficient cross passage excavation without impacting the broader tunnelling programme.
- Programme delivered ahead of schedule
- Zero compliance events recorded
- Fully compliant operation within tunnel environment
- Repeat work secured based on performance
By delivering a machine that met tunnel spec from day one, the Project maintained momentum through a critical phase of works.
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