The massive east headwall in the South Island launch shaft is now complete, and the 14 m (46-foot) external ring at the start of the new tunnel was recently bolted onto the headwall.   

Next steps include placing and assembling the front shield of the TBM in its support cradle at the base of the launch shaft - Mary will start her journey next year.  

Click here for more details on the HRBT expansion project updates, here and us/125 for the tunnelbuilder archive reports. Also visit  www.hrbtexpansion.org. 47/22.