Along with the announcement of the preferred contractor for Stage 1 works, Transport for NSW has also announced the shortlisted tenderers for Stage 2 of the Western Harbour Tunnel project. 

The list includes the joint venture between Acciona Construction Australia, Bouygues Construction Australia and Vinci Construction Grands Project as well as the John Holland, CPB Contractors and UGL Engineering joint venture. 

These shortlisted builders will now undergo the formal tender process. 

“We have reached a very exciting time for the project with early works set to start next week, the contract being awarded today for stage one and the announcement today of the tenderers for stage two. 

“The second package will be to deliver the remainder of the Western Harbour Tunnel, including the balance of northern tunnelling from Birchgrove, through Sydney Harbour and onto North Sydney, the marine work and all the tunnel fit-out. 

“We offer our congratulations to the shortlisted tenderers and look forward to working with them as we continue to work through the tender and procurement process,” a spokesperson for Transport for NSW said. 

The successful tenderer for the Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2 – Northern Tunnelling Works package – is anticipated to be announced later this year. 

This project is going to be delivered as part of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade, which is an integral part of the State Government’s vision to deliver an integrated road and public transport network that will cater to the needs of growing communities in the region. 

“Once completed, Western Harbour Tunnel will change the way people move around Sydney and provide more options for motorists, whilst also reducing traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge as well as the Western Distributor. 

“Combined with the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, there will be improved public transport connections, with quicker access to interchanges and a new, direct connection to North Sydney, and more opportunities for bus routes to the Inner West,” the spokesperson added. 

Key features of the Western Harbour Tunnel project include: 

• Approximately 6.5-kilometre-long twin tunnels with three lanes in each direction 
• Tunnels to be mostly drive, with the crossing of Sydney Harbour between Birchgrove and Waverton being immersed tubes 
• Tunnel-to-tunnel connection to the M4-M5 Link near Rozelle Interchange 
• Future connection options for Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway 
• Surface connections to City West Link at Rozelle and to Warringah Freeway, Falcon Street and Berry Street in North Sydney 
• Ancillary infrastructure to enable ongoing operation of the tunnel 

Source: Transport for NSW; NSW Government – Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia