GS E&C completes tunnel excavation for $7.4 billion Australian road project

GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C) has achieved a significant milestone in Australia, completing the tunnel excavation for the North East Link (NEL) project in Melbourne.

The NEL project, a large-scale public-private partnership valued at approximately 10.1 trillion Korean won (about $7.4 billion USD), marks GS E&C's inaugural infrastructure venture in the Australian market. The completion of the tunnel boring marks the transition to the next phase, focusing on internal structures and equipment installation.

This crucial phase involved the deployment of two tunnel boring machines (TBMs), each boasting a massive 15.6-meter diameter. These machines bored through their designated sections, reaching their target destinations. TBMs are essential for urban tunneling, known for their ability to reduce noise and vibration while enabling precise construction of long tunnels.

GS E&C highlighted that the successful excavation demonstrates its capabilities in large-scale tunnel construction and long-term infrastructure project management. The NEL project aims to connect Melbourne's M80 Ring Road with the Eastern Freeway via a 6.5-kilometer twin tunnel and surface road connections. The entire project is slated for opening by the end of 2028.

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This tunnel excavation completion is an important milestone for the North East Link project. We will do our best for quality and safety management so that the remaining work can proceed smoothly.