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At the heart of the tunneling operation is the slurry plant, which processes the excavated material from the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The plant is essential for maintaining the proper density of the slurry mixture used for boring. The system operates in a closed loop, where the TBM cuts through the earth and sends the material back to the plant to be cleaned and recirculated.
The Tunnel Boring Machine: Mary
One of the most remarkable aspects of the HRBT expansion is the TBM named Mary, named after prominent engineer Mary Jackson. Built by German company Herren Connect, this machine began its assembly in 2021 and started its tunneling journey in April 2023.