Tunnelling for the M4-M4 Link Tunnels has progressed more 1km, marking a step closer towards completion for the WestConnex project.
The twin 7.5km tunnels will provide a vital underground link between the New M4 and New M5 to create a key western bypass of the CBD, hopefully removing thousands of trucks per day off local roads.
M4-M5 Link Tunnels Project Director, Terry Chapman, said, “The M4-M5 Link is the most critical stage of WestConnex, providing a crucial underground link between Haberfield and St Peters, which will allow the full benefits of WestConnex to be realised.
“When the tunnels open to traffic in 2023, motorists in the New M4 will have the option to stay underground at Haberfield and travel in up to four lanes through to the St Peters Interchange, which connects to the New M5. It will also be built with connections to the Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will further improve travel time savings on the WestConnex corridor and build on the savings motorists using the New M4 are already experiencing.
“This underground connection will also help to ensure tens of thousands of vehicles are removed from surface roads into the tunnels, returning local streets in Sydney’s inner west to local communities.”
Mr Chapman said most of the work for the project was taking place beneath the surface with key features of the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, including the tunnels stubs and surface road connections, and surface buildings at Haberfield, completed as part of the New M4 project.
“This project is being constructed almost entirely underground which is also helping to significantly reduce the construction impacts around Haberfield and Ashfield,” Mr Chapman said.
Tunnelling has progressed 1.6km and has now reached the mainline tunnels where there are 12 roadheaders working around the clock seven days a week, with up to 27 roadheaders to be used at the peak of construction.
The $16.8 billion WestConnex project is the most significant investment in road infrastructure in Australia, will create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and provide training, education and employment opportunities to thousands of workers throughout construction.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will support around 1,250 jobs and open to traffic in 2023.