North East Link tunnelling operations are set to resume following completion of a safety investigation into a sinkhole that opened at AJ Burkitt Reserve on 5 January.
WorkSafe completed its investigation into the incident, with crews stabilising the area above and below ground, undertaking detailed investigations and monitoring the site continuously since the surface hole appeared.
The surface hole was found to have been caused by a reduction in air pressure at the front of the tunnel boring machine (TBM).
Tunnelling will restart with strengthened controls and monitoring in place, including additional system alerts, updated procedures and permit processes, and enhanced operator training.
An independent TBM expert has been appointed to review the safety measures, with an additional tunnelling expert engaged to review TBM production.
These measures will guide the TBMs through the remaining 2.5 kilometres of tunnelling to the Manningham interchange site compound.
Tunnelling works beneath households and businesses have been completed, with cross-passage tunnelling continuing.
Tunnelling is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Remediation works are continuing at AJ Burkitt Reserve, with the surface hole filled with concrete and stabilised.
Ongoing inspections and monitoring will continue to ensure long-term stability.
Ground testing will continue over the coming weeks before the upper two metres of concrete are replaced with soil and turf and ground levels reinstated.
Crews will also repair any damage to ovals, landscaped areas and amenities, with this work expected to be completed by the end of March.
Engagement is continuing with Banyule Council and local sporting organisations to relocate games scheduled at the reserve during the remediation period.
Community engagement will continue as remediation and tunnelling works progress.
