Dallas Unveils “Big Tex” TBM for Mill Creek Tunnel
“The completion of the TBM assembly marks a major milestone in the Mill Creek Tunnel Project,” said Council Member Lee Kleinman, chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I’m thrilled to see this type of engineering marvel happening right here in Dallas.”
The dual-diameter aspect of the TBM, built by The Robbins Company, will be a first of its kind conversion process. Big Tex will tunnel the first 9,000 feet of the project, then the team will work completely within the tunnel to remove the outer pieces of the cutter head to convert the overall diameter from 37.7-ft to 32.6-ft diameter. Once the conversion is complete Big Tex will continue tunneling the remaining 17,000 ft of the project alignment.
“I’m proud to say the project also takes other measures to minimize impacts to local residents and commercial properties with the installation of 26-ft high perimeter sound walls at the outfall site, and 16 to 24-ft sound abatement walls around four intake sites,” said Majed Al-Ghafry, assistant city manager, City of Dallas.
Southland Holdings and it’s subsidiary companies Southland Contracting and Mole Constructors are working on this project and will be hiring over 300 employees to work on the Mill Creek Tunnel Project.
“Big Tex will work 24 hours a day to excavate the tunnel with crews ranging in size depending on activities,” said Rachel Sackett, marketing and communications director, Southland Holdings. “With a project of this size, we are always hiring those eager to grow their career or learn a new skilled trade. We encourage those seeking job opportunities to visit our website.”
It’s considered good luck for a TBM to be given a name. With the permission of the State Fair of Texas, the TBM is named Big Tex for its size (everything is bigger in Texas), proximity to the State Fair, and iconic name known around the world.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Source: City of Dallas
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