The Waterview Connection’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) known as Alice is shipping out to Germany this week.
Because Alice was designed specifically for the Waterview Connection project, she isn’t suitable for any other projects in New Zealand and hence she has been broken up into parts for return to the German manufacturer.
The largest sections of the TBM, which helped excavate the twin tunnels at the Waterview Connection, are being transported to the Ports of Auckland this week. 
From there the sections will travel to Germany by sea. The NZ Transport Agency closed one road while transporting the TBM parts from Mt Roskill, through Mt Eden to the port.
A small section of Sandringham Road from O’Donnell Avenue to Gifford Avenue closed to allow for the large loads to move through the area safely.
The 270-tonne primary drive, which is the heaviest section of the TBM, and the erector which is the widest part, was moved overnight.
A further significant load, the Screw Conveyor, which is the longest piece, will be moved tonight. This won’t require any road closures, but there may be some delays according to NZTA.
The Transport Agency’s Auckland Highway Manager, Brett Gliddon says the Waterview team have been deconstructing her since the day after she completed the second of the tunnels.
“It’s been a massive undertaking just taking her apart, but it’s now time to send her on her way,” says Gliddon.
