The final part of tunnel boring machine (TBM) Sandy was removed from the Bayswater dive structure recently and our sights are now set on tunnel fit-out, track laying and final construction of the stations.
The first stage of the track slab construction, providing the foundation for rail and sleepers, is almost 70 per cent complete. Laying of 220m-long welded rail segments will commence soon, eventually adding up to the required 16km of track for the two tunnels.
Platform taking shape at Redcliffe Station
For almost 10 months Redcliffe Station was predominately used to support tunnelling operations, putting the brakes on civil construction works. However, with the TBMs having reached their final destination earlier this year, progress toward building the actual train station has become quite noticeable.
Concrete for almost half of the 11 sections of the platform slab has been poured and is curing. Platform wall construction and backfilling is underway for the remaining sections.
At ground level the last section of the slab is undergoing waterproofing, and the demobilisation of the electric tower crane is imminent.
Down the road, at the intersection of Second Street and Boulder Avenue, stage two of the new roundabout installation will commence this month. Works will require the closure of a section of the north-east bound lane on Second Street. Temporary traffic lights will be in place to control traffic and speed limits will remain at 40kmh.
Ground preparation priority at Bayswater
Earthworks are still ongoing at the western end of the Bayswater site, with ground preparation for the permanent rail alignment including top soil removal, backfilling and compaction.
Several layers of material (subgrade and subbase) are also being spread and compacted for the future cycle path, before asphalt can be laid later this month.
Keen observers may notice light poles being installed along the path within the construction site boundary.
With the TBMs out of the way, the crew has been able to resume work on the portal building located above the tunnel entry and exit. Hollow precast planks were delivered and installed late-May, extending the footprint of the building above the dive structure.
Glazing galore in Forrestfield
In time for the rainy months the Forrestfield crew has finished installing the station roof skylights. Designed to minimise energy use for lighting and assist patrons with wayfinding, the skylights align with the project's sustainability vision.
The two lift shafts have also had glazing installed, while the assembly of the lift cabins is ongoing. Vertical transport in general played a big role in recent weeks, with the escalator fit-out now complete.
At the eastern end of site, the slurry treatment plant, used to process the soil excavated by the two tunnel boring machines, is being disassembled and the water treatment plant has been relocated to make room for the construction of the 1200-bay multi-deck car park.
Finishing touches to Airport Central Station roof
With the roof frame up and the majority of the roof sheeting in place, construction activity at Airport Central Station will be less visible and mainly take place below ground in the coming months.
Similar to Forrestfield Station, works include the fit-out of escalators and installation of glazing, or frames for glazing.
All levels of the station are also undergoing installation of dry wall or painting – or a mix of both.
Countdown on for cross passage construction
Activity relating to cross passage construction is primarily taking place along the 2.5km-long stretch of tunnel between Redcliffe Station and Bayswater Junction. Two of five tunnel-to-tunnel cross passages in this section have been fully excavated, along with the link between Wright Crescent Emergency Egress Shaft (EES) and Tunnel One. All soil will be carted out via the Bayswater portal now that the TBMs have been removed.
In the emergency egress shaft space construction of the lower ancillary building at Airport West EES has been finalised and installation of the lift frame and staircase within the shaft is up next.