Open day reveals intriguing tunnel machinery and project details

November 5, 2008

Amelia Rose is getting ready to go underground for good. Before she does, the public has a chance to see her up close and find out what she can do.

Amelia Rose is the huge tunnel boring machine to be used in the Rosedale Tunnel and Marine Outfall Project. She will be on display at a public open day on Sunday, November 9, from 10am – 2pm, at the project construction site located at 6A Atlas Place off Constellation Dr in Mairangi Bay.

“The open day is the only opportunity for North Shore residents to take a close look at the dazzling Amelia Rose,” says Mayor Andrew Williams. “Once she goes underground to begin her tunnelling work, they will never see her again as she is eventually left out at sea.”

Amelia Rose is 9m long and will drag 64m of back-up equipment behind it, which together weighs approximately 150 tonnes. The $10M machine manufactured in Canada will be lowered into and assembled in the tunnel to begin its work.

In addition to Amelia Rose, there will be excavation trains, a large pipe to be used in the offshore tunnel and a full-sized tunnel ring onsite. Videos, displays and printed material will be available to give visitors a good feel for the project.

Those who attend will be able to see the complex innards of Amelia Rose, look down the 45-metre deep shaft where the tunnel begins, and peer inside other tunnelling and outfall equipment which are set up on the grounds.

“There are so many impressive things to see on the site,” says Mayor Williams. “We welcome anyone who wishes to find out more about this important project, which will have great benefits for residents of North Shore for the next century.”

Members from the project team will be available to answer questions during the open day. The contractors and sub-contractors on the project include McConnell Dowell, Maunsell AECOM, Tonkin & Taylor, and Connell Wagner-DC Limited.

“Rosedale lifts New Zealand’s tunnel boring experience and capability to a new level of sophistication,” says John Cooper, Maunsell AECOM’s North Shore Outfall Tunnel Project Manager. “The technology is fast and safe and allows New Zealand to tackle more complex ground conditions without unacceptable settlement.”

“For the people of North Shore, this project will preserve what is most important to them and ensure that future generations enjoy sanitary and environmental benefits,” says Mayor Williams. “This outfall is part of our commitment to meeting the foremost needs of this growing city.”

A civic ceremony was held on November 4 to unveil Amelia Rose. Mayor Williams, Councillors, government and business officials, and other invited guests attended.

Tunnelling is due to begin in late November and the project is scheduled to be completed by June 2010.

ENDS

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