Earthquake delays Bay Tunnel delivery

Delivery of the Hitachi Zosen TBM for the 5-mile (8km) Bay Tunnel in San Francisco has been delayed following the earthquake in Japan.

The joint venture of Michels/Jay Dee/Coluccio ordered an EPB machine for the 15ft (4.57m) tunnel that will be excavated below the floor of the Bay. It was anticipated to arrive on site by May. But with the time necessary to clear customs, the project is still on schedule, just a little tighter than expected.

Members of the project had been in Japan to see the machine fully assembled when the Earthquake hit on 11 March. They have since arrived home safely and reported only feeling the ground shaking.