A Chinese-built earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine recently arrived in New Zealand, destined for Auckland’s City Rail Link project. Due for completion in 2024, the $2.8-billion project has struggled with a major cost hike and bankruptcy of a leading contractor.
The Herrenknecht 7.18 m dia TBM from Guangzhou, China, will be assembled at Auckland’s existing Mount Eden station and drive 3.2 km of twin tunnels. The 3.45 km of railway will connect the existing Britomart and Mount Eden stations.