Micro Tunnelling is one of the most effective trenchless construction techniques for modern infrastructure projects, and that’s being reflected in demand for quality services. Whether it’s installing utilities under busy city streets or creating sewer and stormwater networks, Micro Tunnelling offers precision, safety, and efficiency, while causing minimal disruption to infrastructure.
What is Micro Tunnelling, and why is it useful?
Micro Tunnelling is a trenchless method using a remote-controlled boring machine (known as a micro-TBM) to excavate precise underground tunnels, typically between half a meter and two meters in diameter.
As the TBM machine advances, pipes are jacked into place behind it, creating a stable tunnel without the need for open-air trenches.
Micro Tunnelling, while intensive, is incredibly effective and has many benefits versus open trenching, including reduced surface disruption, less environmental disturbance, and the ability to work beneath roads, railways, rivers, and buildings without disturbing the surface.
That’s what makes it an ideal choice for urban infrastructure upgrades, and particularly suited in dense urban areas.
Why Micro Tunnelling works so well in cities
In dense New Zealand cities like Auckland and Wellington, we face challenges created by a reliance on congested road networks and dense urban infrastructure.
Traditional open-cut excavation in these cities often means lengthy road closures and an influx of noise and dust that can disturb surrounding residents and workers.
Thanks to this, projects can proceed underground while traffic continues to flow above. For example, in Auckland, this keeps the city moving while allowing for critical utility upgrades. In Wellington, where precision and stability are especially valuable in seismic conditions, it helps ensure infrastructure is installed safely under existing heritage buildings and transport links. Micro Tunnelling has also proven to be incredibly useful in replacing Wellington’s aging water infrastructure.
Is it safe?
Micro Tunnelling is generally considered one of the safest drilling techniques. First and foremost, tunnelling operators remain above ground and control the TBM remotely, which keeps them out of the bored tunnel. The tunnel is also supported as it’s excavated which reduces collapse risks, and ground pressure can be actively managed around the Tunnell Boring Machine to prevent water ingress.
It goes without saying that success and efficiency thoroughly depends on geotechnical assessments and the skilled teams that operate the equipment and monitor the local ground conditions. That’s what makes choosing a certified and experienced contractor so essential.
Suggested providers in New Zealand
Universal Underground Limited (UUL)
Specialists in Micro Tunnelling, pipe jacking, and directional drilling across NZ’s urban and rural environments.
Website: https://www.uul.co.nz/
Phone: +64 7 823 7415
Email: neil@uul.co.nz
Paku Tunnelling Limited
A-Grade tunnel manager-certified experts in trenchless tunnelling and pipe-jacking nationwide.
Website: https://www.pakutunnelling.com/
Phone: 021 437 132
Email: matiaha@gmail.com
Abergeldie Harker Ltd
Experienced contractors delivering pipe-jacking and tunnelling infrastructure across NZ.
Website: https://abergeldie.com/
Phone: +64 9 295 2570
Email: info@abergeldieharker.co.nz
ProjectMax Ltd
Civil contractor providing trenchless and tunnelling services in NZ and Australia.
Website: http://www.projectmax.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 889 4493
Email: steve@projectmax.co.nz
McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd
Large-scale infrastructure specialists with extensive project experience.
Website: https://www.mcconnelldowell.com/
Phone: +64 9 573 1600
Email: mcdgroup@mcdgroup.com