Work underway on key New Zealand tunnel

Preliminary works are now underway on a crucial link in the new road connections for New Zealand city Auckland. A 30m deep trench is being excavated that will form the start point for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) drive. The 2.4km long, twin tube tunnels will cost some US$1.13 billion (NZ$1.4 billion) to construct and will be driven using the TBM. The project team plans to commence the TBM drive in 2013.