Image: Torrens to Darlington Project
South Australia’s biggest infrastructure project has reached another milestone, with the second tranche of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) parts now touching down in Adelaide. Matching the scale of the largest shipment received to date, the delivery includes critical components for the $15.4 billion non-stop South Road project — most notably the 370-tonne main drive.
These enormous pieces will be transported to the Southern Precinct site at Clovelly Park in carefully orchestrated stages, requiring several overnight road closures along South Road to minimise disruption. The precision and planning behind the movements highlight the complexity of managing machinery of this scale.
The arrival of the new components kickstarts the progressive assembly and commissioning of the first two TBMs, with tunnelling set to begin in the second half of 2026. The cutterhead and tailskin for the second machine will follow similar logistics, keeping the project on track as preparations intensify.
At the same time, the third TBM — which will dig the 2.2-kilometre Northern Tunnels from the Central North Precinct at Richmond — is in the final stages of Factory Acceptance Testing in China. Once approved, it will also make its way to Adelaide. All three machines have been manufactured by global tunnelling leader Herrenknecht.
Using three large-diameter TBMs allows construction of both the Northern and Southern Tunnels to run simultaneously, a strategic approach designed to accelerate overall delivery of the project.
Community excitement has continued to build, with more than 2,000 naming submissions put forward. Consistent with tunnelling tradition, all name options honour women, with the final selections set to recognise inspirational South Australian women and local heroes. A shortlist is now being refined, with public voting to open soon. While many lighthearted suggestions were received, only those fitting the project’s dignified and meaningful criteria will progress.
Reflecting on the latest milestone, Emily Bourke said, “There’s a real sense of momentum with the arrival of the equal largest shipment of TBM parts. The pieces will be transferred to the southern site over the coming days, with tunnelling on the $15.4 billion non-stop South Road project to begin in the second half of next year.” She encouraged South Australians to continue engaging with the naming process, adding, “These Tunnel Boring Machines, which are the largest pieces of construction machinery in South Australian history, belong to all of us, and the community can still help name them.”
As the countdown to tunnelling continues, anticipation is growing. The naming of the TBMs and the start of excavation will mark a memorable moment across the state. Throw your name in the ring.
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