Construction progress

ABOVE: Fit out work inside the tunnel

Construction on the Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7), Brisbane’s first major tunnel project and the first of the TransApex projects is now complete.

CLEM7 was delivered as a public private partnership (PPP). This saw RiverCity Motorway Group (RCM) build the project and will now see RCM own, operate and maintain the CLEM7 for 45 years, after which it will be transferred to Council.

RCM contracted the design and construction of the tunnel to the Leighton Contractors and Baulderstone Hornibrook Bilfinger Berger Joint Venture (LBB JV).

Construction of the project commenced in September 2006 and was completed in March 2010, six months ahead of schedule. For more information, visit the Clem Jones Tunnel website.

To view a map of the tunnel click here...

To view photos of CLEM7 construction click here...

Tunnelling

Tunnelling on the Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7) was undertaken by two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), named Matilda and Florence, and several smaller roadheader machines. Digging the southbound tunnel, Florence completed her journey from Bowen Hills to Woolloongabba on April 16. She was followed approximately six weeks later on May 26 by Matilda whose breakthrough into the access shaft at Gibbon Street Woolloongabba signalled the end of tunnelling for the project.

Matilda and Florence were the largest of their type in the world excavated 75% of the tunnel.  The TBMs operated like a moving factory, excavating the rock, erecting the concrete tunnel lining and placing the road base as they went.

The excavated rock was removed from the tunnel via an enclosed conveyor and stored in large silos before it was loaded into trucks and transported off-site.

Upon completion of tunneling the TBMs have were dismantled and removed from the CLEM7 construction sitesite to allow crews to focus on the mechanical and electrical fit out of the tunnel. 

Click here to view the TBMs being dismantled...

ABOVE: TBM1 'Matilda' breaks through at Gibbon Street Woolloongabba signalling the end of tunneling for CLEM7.	ABOVE: Early tunneling area within the Shafston Ave portal, Kangaroo Point

Click here for more information on tunnelling for the Clem Jones Tunnel.

Bridge construction and road widening

The more visible components of the project included the construction of 18 bridges connecting surface roads to the tunnel.

Major road widening work is continuing at the northern, eastern and southern entrances to the tunnel is also nearing completion. This work will ensure motorists enjoy fast, safe and reliable access as they enter and exit the tunnel.

ABOVE: Completed bridge work at the northern interchange for the Clem Jones Tunnel	ABOVE: Early roadworks on Lutwyche Road