Victoria’s state government says WorkSafe has completed its investigation into the surface hole at AJ Burkitt Reserve, and the government is confident it is safe to resume tunnelling operations.
Crews have stabilised the area above and below ground, conducted detailed investigations and monitored the site around the clock since the surface hole appeared.
The surface hole was caused by a reduction in air pressure at the front of the TBM.
Tunnelling will resume today with strengthened controls and monitoring in place, including additional system alerts, updated procedures and permit processes and enhanced operator training. An independent TBM expert has been appointed to review measures, and an additional tunnelling expert will review TBM production.
“These measures will help guide the TBMs safely through the remaining 2.5km of tunnelling to the Manningham interchange site compound,” the government says in a statement.
TBM works under residential properties and business are complete, with cross-passage tunnelling works continuing.
Tunnelling is expected to be complete by mid-year.
Remediation works are under way to restore AJ Burkitt Reserve, with the surface hole now filled with concrete and stabilised. Inspections and monitoring will continue to ensure ongoing stability.
Ground testing works will continue over the coming weeks before the upper 2m of concrete are replaced with soil and turf and ground levels reinstated. Crews will also repair any damage to ovals, landscaped areas and amenities. This work is expected to be complete by the end of March.
Engagement is continuing with Banyule Council and local sporting organisations to relocate games that were due to take place at the reserve.
