Mid-2012 marks the start of tunnelling from Legacy Way's western worksite in Toowong.

In preparation for the start of tunnelling, a number of key activities were undertaken in January 2012, including the start of excavation of the spoil conveyor tunnel from the western portal. The spoil conveyor tunnel will transport rock and other materials excavated by the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from the western worksite to the Mount Coot-tha Quarry. Transferring the material directly to the quarry reduces the need for around 96,000 haulage truck movements on Brisbane roads.

Other construction activities included:

• ongoing earthworks to build the realigned eastbound lanes of the Western Freeway;
• ongoing work to construct a large acoustic shed which will be lined with high quality noise control sheeting. This will provide additional noise, dust and light mitigation for activities occurring within the shed and will house pieces of the TBMs as they start to arrive at the western worksite from next month;
• delivery and installation of 60 large pre-cast concrete beams which will form part of the roof of the tunnel’s cut and cover structure (see Cut and Cover Fact Sheet for more information); and
• rock anchoring activities which provide support for the side walls of the TBM launch box.

Image Above Right: Construction of the acoustic shed which will provide noise, dust and light mitigation.

Image Below: Ongoing works at the western worksite for the start of tunnelling in mid-2012.

A number of significant activities were undertaken at the eastern worksite in January 2012, to assist in preparing for construction of the extraction box, where the TBM will be removed. These works are also in preparation for the realignment of the Inner City Bypass (ICB) eastbound lanes to create the room necessary for the tunnel entry and exit lanes.

Work undertaken this month included:

• commencement of relocation of services including sewer lines and water main works;
• ongoing works to extend the Inner Northern Busway (INB) bridge;
• the commencement of piling for the eastern ventilation station; and
• ongoing work to extend the pedestrian bridge connecting the Brisbane Grammar Schools to Victoria Park.

Image Right: Eastern worksite at Kelvin Grove.

The Legacy Way Visitors’ Centre is located at Level 2, 80 Jephson Street, Toowong. The centre uses the latest multimedia technology to provide an educational and interactive experience for all visitors.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

The Visitors’ Centre is designed to cater for all ages with group tours also available. For more information or to book a group tour, please call 1800 778 772.

Image Right: Interactive Legacy Way Visitors' Centre.