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Yarra work for project

The Victorian Government has started geotechnical work on the Yarra River for a major project

Geotechnical drilling on the Yarra River has begun as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project.

From this floating work-site, 12 boreholes will be dug up to 35 metres below the riverbed, providing critical information about ground conditions.

This information will help determine the exact technical specifications of the twin tunnels and how they will be built.

The two tunnels under the Yarra will be excavated using tunnel boring machines and sit around seven metres below the riverbed.

Geotechnical investigations will continue for the next six weeks at various points on the river, ahead of enabling works in 2017 and the start of major construction in 2018.

Melbourne Metro Rail Project will unlock the centre of the train system, create space for 20,000 extra passengers in peak hour, and pave the way for future expansion of Victoria’s rail network.

 “This floating work-site will give us critical information about ground conditions under the Yarra, which help us build these two new rail tunnels beneath the mighty Yarra,” says acting premier James Merlino.

“Melbourne Metro Rail will create a true underground metro, and unlock the centre of our train system to create space for more trains running more often, every single day.”

Acting minister for public transport Luke Donnellan agrees.

“The new tunnels under the Yarra River will carry high-frequency, high-capacity trains into the heart of the city and enable 20,000 extra passengers to catch the train in peak hour,” he says.

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