TUNNEL PROGRESS & TBM FABRICATION

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which will be the heart of the tunneling phase, is currently being built by Herrenknecht in Schwanau, Germany. It’s undergoing factory testing now and is on schedule to arrive at our site in May 2026. Once it’s assembled onsite, the TBM will help us advance the tunnel safely and efficiently.

Closer to home, crews are making steady progress at the TBM launch area. The Support of Excavation (SOE) system is being installed and will continue through mid-February. After that, the team will move on to trench excavation and preparing the base slab, both targeted for completion by May 2026 — right in

time for the TBM’s arrival. This groundwork is critical to ensuring the launch structure is stable, accessible, and ready for operation.

DROP SHAFT CONSTRUCTION

Work at Drop Shaft 1 and 2 is also picking up momentum. Crews are digging down toward the bedrock layer, with blasting operations expected to begin in January 2026. That milestone will pave the way for the next phase: forming, reinforcing, and placing concrete for the permanent shaft lining.

OSHA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel (CBDT) Project Joint Venture between Methuen Construction Company, Inc. and Obayashi Corporation has reached a milestone by signing onto the OSHA Strategic Partnership Program, underscoring its commitment to safety and collaboration. Methuen President John McGrath joined OSHA’s Joe LaRose to mark this important step, which unites OSHA with employers, workers, and industry stakeholders to eliminate hazards and strengthen workplace safety practices. With clear goals and strategies tailored for large-scale projects like the CBDT, this partnership promises meaningful improvements for worker health and safety, benefiting both the crews and the City of Manchester, NH.