A group of students from local primary schools recently toured the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) site in Heatherton, Victoria to learn about the massive Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that will begin work this year.
The tour of the eastern tunnel entrance was part of a long-term initiative, with kids nominated each year to become TBM Captains.
When SRL East opens in 2035, these future engineers and construction workers will be among the first to ride SRL trains to work, university and TAFE.
According to an update from the Victorian Government, the children asked the project experts some great questions – including whether the TBMs come equipped with beds for the crew (TBMs have an office, kitchen and toilets, but no beds).
Each year, they’ll be able to learn more about SRL as the project progresses and report back to their class.
“SRL East will offer direct connections to Monash and Deakin universities, and Box Hill Institute – making it easier for these students to follow their dreams and become the next generation of engineers,” the government said in a statement.
The first 78-tonne TBM cutterhead has arrived in Melbourne and will begin carving out the twin tunnels later this year.
TBMs will set off from Clarinda to dig the 16-kilometre southern section of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.
TBMs will also start in Burwood to dig the 10-kilometre section between Glen Waverley and Box Hill.
Two tunnel entrances are being built at Heatherton on the site of the future train stabling facility, where the SRL East trains will come to the surface for cleaning and maintenance.
Construction of SRL East is progressing, with more than 3000 people already working on the project.
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