Lobs Hole - The TBM Lady Eileen Hudson has now excavated 2.2km of the main access tunnel, with 600 m remaining to reach the northern end of the power station complex. Once complete, the TBM will be disassembled, extracted and reassembled at Talbingo. The supporting services will also need to be reassembled and recommissioned, ahead of Lady Eileen’s next mission to excavate the 6km tailrace tunnel heading east from Talbingo to the power station.  

Also at Lobs Hole, TBM Kirsten is gaining momentum, with approximately 800 metres of the emergency cable and ventilation tunnel excavated. This tunnel is parallel to the main access tunnel and passes the southern end of the power station complex. Once past the power station, at 2.9km, Kirsten will be modified to begin uphill excavation for the inclined pressure shaft.   

Tantangara - TBM Florence is now fully commissioned and has tunnelled several hundred metres west to Marica, where it will eventually meet up with TBM Kirsten. The headrace tunnel has a straight alignment and a 0.5% downhill gradient under the Gooandra plateau. This 15km tunnel is expected to take about 3.5 years to complete.   

For further information click here and au/38 for the tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/. 24/22.