NEWS
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT METRO LINE TAKES OFF
Artist’s impression of the proposed St Marys railway station.
Major works are set to commence on the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport metro line after a $1.8 billion contract was awarded to CPB Contractors and Ghella to build the new twin metro rail tunnels. The Australian and New South Wales Governments are jointly delivering the 23-kilometre metro railway and six stations between St Marys and the Western Sydney
Aerotropolis, including two stations at the airport. The first of four mega tunnel boring machines will be in the ground by early 2023 to deliver 9.8 kilometres of twin metro rail tunnels in two sections, under the first major contract to be awarded as part of the project. The driverless 23-kilometre metro line will link St Marys to the centre of the new Aerotropolis via the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, with six stations to be built along the alignment. The 9.8 kilometres of twin rail tunnels will be delivered in two sections. The 4.3-kilometre northern tunnels run from St
Marys to Orchard Hills and the 5.5-kilometre southern section of tunnels runs between the Airport Business Park and the Aerotropolis Station. Apart from the twin tunnel, the Station Boxes and Tunnelling contract includes excavation and civil works for new stations at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, and Aerotropolis. Once the tunnelling contract is complete in late 2024, work will continue to lay tracks and fit out stations. CPB Contractors is already involved in the construction of the Western Sydney International Airport and the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project.
PREFERRED TENDERER CHOSEN FOR TASMANIA’S BRIDGEWATER BRIDGE In the biggest milestone to date for the new Bridgewater Bridge project in Tasmania, McConnell Dowell Constructors has been named as the preferred tenderer to deliver the state’s largest ever transport infrastructure project. The Australian Government has also committed an additional $167.8 million to get this crucial project delivered, bringing the Commonwealth’s total funding to $628.8 million. The winning design put forward by McConnell Dowell Constructors features a new, standalone four-lane bridge downstream of the existing bridge, including enhanced interchanges at Granton and Bridgewater, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians and a navigation height matching the Bowen Bridge. Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the project is a key project in the $1.7 billion Hobart City Deal. “This project is another example of all levels of government working together to guide and encourage investment to leverage Hobart’s natural amenity and 6
ROADS FEBRUARY 2022
build on its position as a vibrant, liveable and connected city.” Tasmania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the new bridge would fix the missing link in Tasmania’s national highway. “The upgrade will benefit approximately 22,000 people that travel across the bridge each day, including local residents, commuters and freight vehicles,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Construction will support around 830
The winning design features a new, standalone four-lane bridge downstream of the existing bridge.
jobs, including the creation of more than 200 new jobs for locals. This will deliver an important economic boost to the local economy.” McConnell Dowell Constructors will commence design-specific site investigations, finalise designs and prepare construction management plans in early 2022. Major construction is due to start in mid-2022 following the approval of a Tasmanian Major Project Planning Permit, and the award of the design and construct contract.
