The first of four-massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will build Melbourne's future rail network is nearing Australian waters.
Hot on the heels of the arrival of a TBM for the Westgate Tunnel Project, the Metro Tunnel's mega machine – which measures 100 metres long – is due to arrive at the Port of Melbourne at the end of this month.
The first Metro Tunnel TBM started its journey by sea towards Melbourne late last month.
The TBM will be trucked from the Port of Melbourne to the future North Melbourne Station site near Arden Street and assembled, before being launched underground towards Kensington in May.
Ahead of its arrival, youngsters can stretch their imagination with the launch of a special interactive Metro Tunnel display at Melbourne Museum by Acting Premier Jacinta Allan.
'Above Below and Beyond' is an opportunity for children to learn more about the massive engineering feat that will be carried out to build the Metro Tunnel.
As part of the experience children will be encouraged to colour-in trains, TBMs, bikes and trees, then stick them onto the display to create a future Melbourne scene.
It is designed to teach new generations about Melbourne's public transport network, TBMs and tunnelling.
Virtual reality headsets allow museum visitors to take a simulated ride into the future. One will take visitors on a fantasy train ride through Melbourne, and a second takes the visitor down into a Metro Tunnel construction site as a tunnel boring machine arrives.
Parents looking for bright ideas to entertain children for the rest of school holidays can visit Melbourne Museum for 'Above Below and Beyond' – open 10:00am-5:00pm daily from 16-29 January.
Children under 16 enter free, as do Seniors Card holders, so it's a great event to attend if grandparents are looking after the kids for the day.
The Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more than half a million additional passengers a week across Melbourne's train network during peak periods.
As noted by Acting Premier Jacinta Allan
"With our first Metro Tunnel TBM on its way to Melbourne, we're yet another step closer to more trains, more often, to and from the suburbs."
"The 'Above Below and Beyond' exhibit will deliver a behind-the-scenes insight into the challenge of building the Metro Tunnel and show Victorians how the project will transform Victoria."
