North East Link

North East Link was a major road project designed to improve everyday journeys in Melbourne’s north-east. It included a new 6.5‑kilometre tunnel that completed a missing section of the freeway network. By diverting through‑traffic and around 15,000 trucks a day from local roads, the project helped ease congestion, improve neighbourhood safety and reduce travel times for commuters. 

As part of this programme, the Keller–VSL Joint Venture delivered a cut‑and‑cover structure. The teams built deep concrete walls and foundations, including diaphragm walls and supporting elements ranging from 20 to 45 metres in depth. The works covered excavation, the installation and splicing of reinforcement cages, and concreting operations, providing a robust structure for the tunnel approaches. 

The project was carried out in a narrow corridor and in the floodplain of the Yarra River. The teams adapted their methods to manage a high proportion of rock, protect equipment during potential floods and limit the volume of bentonite requiring disposal. By re‑using bentonite on site, the JV significantly reduced waste and the number of truck movements associated with its removal. 

Digital tools also played a key role. Applications such as TIO and QuickConnect, developed by VSL, supported real‑time monitoring of excavation progress and quality checks on reinforcement and concrete works. These tools provided clear, reliable data for project teams and the client, helping ensure safe and efficient delivery of this strategic link for Melbourne.