In Auckland, NZ, by early-February, 2015 Waterview TBM Alice had advanced 125 m from the northern approach trench, in the second of the motorway tunnels, the northbound tunnel. When the TBM reaches the 350 m mark, it will take a break for two months and then resume tunnelling in mid-April. Cross passages Construction of the sixteen cross passages, one every 150 m, will be completed by December, 2015. These will house services and provide road users with access to the parallel tunnel in emergency. The installation of ground support for the canopy tubes in cross passages 2 and 3 are completed. During February, canopy tubes will be installed in cross passages 14, 15 and 16. The canopy tubes provide temporary ground support before temporary shotcrete lining and permanent concrete is poured. A lot of investigation drilling from cross passage 2 to 16 (southern end to northern end) has been done, with one more set to be completed when the Culvert Gantry moves into the northbound tunnel. Drilling checks the ground conditions, including geology and possible water inflows, helping to understand any problems that could be encountered during the ensuing excavation. Drainage system The unique specific drainage system includes slot drains and flame traps to protect the main pipes, allowing maintenance to take place despite having no manholes at the road surface. The drainage system will convey water from the deluge system down to a low point sump which collects water before it’s pumped out of the tunnels. The collection will be tested regularly and will also be used when the tunnels are open during an emergency. Work on the second stage fill of the mainline drain is moving along at a good rate with a third of the southbound tunnel installed. The mainline drain is expected to be finished in July, 2015 before other drainage system work commences. Click nz/16 and here for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/waterviewconnection. 08/15.