Work continues steadily across multiple areas of the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel (PTST) project.
On Two Island, removal of the Omega trestle is progressing slowly. As each section is dismantled, the remaining armor stones are being strategically placed along the berm to help protect the island and tunnel from wave energy. Because this work is highly dependent on weather conditions, wind and wave activity often cause delays in progress.
Looking south, the Omega trestle has been removed from One Island as well.
Across the project, the majority of the ongoing work involves concrete. Following the installation of waterproofing protection, crews are constructing concrete walls at the open approaches as well as at the pump room locations – one at each portal as well as one at the tunnel’s low point, or mid-channel. CTJV is also installing drainage piping within the tunnel and advancing work on the egress corridor.
Pictured above is the orange waterproofing protection for the tunnel’s open approach.
Looking south into the new open approach on Two Island.
Construction of the new low point pump station.
From the low point pump station slab, looking south towards One Island.
Pictured above is construction of the egress corridor located along the west side of the new tunnel.
Most of the tunnel ballast, also composed of concrete, was placed during the spring and early fall. Smaller areas adjacent to the three pump rooms will continue to be filled as those walls are completed.
In addition, utility conduits are being installed along the tunnel’s west wall. These conduits will carry electrical and communications wiring, allowing tunnel operations to be monitored and controlled remotely, essential for the safe operation and maintenance of the tunnel.
