A laydown area is where we will temporarily store equipment and supplies during construction of the T2D Project.

These will be located along the T2D corridor, with the main laydown areas located at the tunnel portals (tunnel entry/exit points).

The main laydown areas are where we’ll launch the tunnel boring machines (TBMs), or retrieve them when tunnel excavation has been completed, as well as support their operation.

Extra infrastructure is required at the main laydown areas including:

  • a power substation to power the TBMs and tunnel operating systems
  • an acoustic shed for management of the spoil (excavated rock and soil) and machinery and equipment storage
  • other support systems.

Upon completion of the tunnels, laydown areas will be transformed into the new motorway connecting to the tunnels, provide supporting infrastructure for tunnel operations or potentially converted into community space.

Southern laydown area

The majority of the T2D tunnels will be excavated using TBMs, with a short section at each end constructed from the surface using cut and cover methodology.

For the Southern Tunnels, the TBMs will launch from a purpose-built site on the western side of South Road in Tonsley/Clovelly Park between Tonsley Boulevard and Norrie Avenue.

During construction this area will be called the Southern Laydown Area and is needed to support tunnelling operations. It will:

  • allow for the assembly, commissioning and launching of TBMs
  • house machinery, equipment and sheds to support the construction of the tunnels and new motorway
  • facilitate the delivery of materials necessary to construct the tunnels, such as precast concrete tunnel lining segments, and the removal of spoil
  • enable the establishment of water treatment plants and worker facilities.

Northern laydown area

Information about the location of the Northern Laydown Area will become available as we progress further through the planning and design phase of the T2D Project.