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.
30.03.2026 Italy
31.03.2026 Ireland
07.04.2026 Austria
08.04.2026 Norway
09.04.2026 France
09.04.2026 Germany
14.04.2026 United States
23.04.2026 Sweden
24.04.2026 United Kingdom
24.04.2026 Switzerland
27.04.2026 Italy
27.04.2026 Switzerland
30.04.2026 Sweden
30.04.2026 Switzerland
04.05.2026 Switzerland
04.05.2026 Slovakia
04.06.2026 Switzerland
07.07.2026 Germany
31.12.2031 Germany