Tunnelling has started early on Sydney’s North West Rail Link.
The first of four tunnel boring machine (TBM), Elizabeth, has now begun her drive beneath the city, constructing the new 15-kilometre twin-bored tunnel system from Bella Vista to Epping.
A joint venture between Thiess, John Holland and Dragados (TJHD) was awarded the $1.5 billion tunnelling programme which once complete, will deliver the longest rail tunnels ever built in Australia.
“This is a huge milestone in the delivery of this project – it shows we are getting on with meeting our commitments and delivering the vital infrastructure this state desperately needs,” said NSW Premier Mike Baird.
The $8.3 billion North West Rail Link, which is due to open in 2019, will be the  first fully-automated rapid transit rail system in Australia.
The Northwest Rapid Transit consortium has the contract to deliver the infrastructure, rolling stock and signalling system for the project. The Operations, Trains and Systems (OTS) contract includes building eight new stations, supplying the automated rolling stock, building and operating the new stabling and maintenance facility and installing tracks, signalling, mechanical and electrical system.
