In December 2017, the Kemano Second Tunnel Project (T2 Project) received final approval from Rio Tinto's Board. It will complete the remaining 7.6 km of a 16 km secondary tunnel that connects to the Kemano Generating Station. The Project consists of excavation and boring of a new tunnel, installation of tunnel lining, rehabilitation of existing under-ground and surface excavations, installation of intake gates, and other structures. A combination of drill and blast, and bored TBM tunnel will be implemented to complete the tunnel and access routes.

SYDNEY             S-1  136             SLURRY TBM

The 975 tonne tunnel boring machine was assembled deep under Barangaroo and will soon complete the second of the twin one-kilometre tunnels, 40 metres below the Harbour at its deepest.

After the first tunnel was built, TBM Kathleen had her giant cutter head and main section lifted out at Blues Point and placed on a barge to return to Barangaroo. The machine’s support trailers had to be pulled back to Barangaroo inside the first tunnel. The machine excavated through through clay, silt and sediment and will use state-of-the-art tunnelling technology to safely make its way under the harbour.

Concept TBM side shift