About the project:

We worked with Abergeldie to restore the Balickera Tunnel in New South Wales and improve its structural condition to meet a 100-year design life requirement.

Project snapshot:

• Successfully delivered the project on time whilst dealing with a significant increase in scope due to challenging environmental conditions.
• The existing ground support was worse than anticipated and several significant wet weather events meant the evacuation of the tunnel multiple times.
• The timeline was also impacted by the breeding season of microbat habitat in the area. To navigate this and protect the microbat species, Tunnelling Solutions brought in 30% more resources and implemented a continuous shift roster (24/7) on very short notice.
• Hunter Water, Abergeldie and Tunnelling Solutions took out the 2023 Infrastructure Project Innovation award at the Australian Water Association’s NSW Water Awards.

Completed works:

• A new shotcrete/concrete lining was installed in the existing concrete lined sections
• New rock bolts and new shotcrete/concrete lining in low rock quality areas along the unlined (natural rock) sections.

Reference