Site investigation tenders are being sought for Sydney’s North West Metro project, part of Australia’s largest ever transport infrastructure project.
The Aus$12.5bn (US$12.4bn) project, funded by the New South Wales Government, forms the first phase of the ‘SydneyLink’ initiative and is to include construction of a 32km long stretch of twin bore tunnels and 17 stations, running from Sydney’s central business district to Rouse Hill.
Originally developed as the North West Rail Link (NWRL), a heavy rail line that was scheduled for completion in 2015, the decision to instead build the connection as a european-style metro line was announced in March by NSW Premier, Morris Iemma.
The North West Metro will be 38km long in total, following the previous NWRL alignment and having the same station locations. It will run underground from the city, beneath Victoria Road towards Top Ryde, and then via Epping to Castle Hill, Norwest and Rouse Hill. There will also be several key interchanges with the existing CityRail network.
The 32km long underground section will be built as twin-tube 5.5m diameter TBM bored tunnel, with the remaining 6km of the route being a combination of cut and cover, at grade or elevated.
The scheme is being developed by North West Metro project team, which incorporates specialists from a number of state agencies. Undertaking significant industry consultation, the team is currently tasked with producing a Product Definition Report, due for completion in November. The report will provide critical decisions on transport and land use strategy, procurement, design, operations, environmental approvals, delivery, timing and funding of the project.
Following this, registration of interest for the main civil and tunnelling works will be sought in the second quarter of 2009, with project planning approval and main package tenders due early autumn.
It is envisaged that the tunnelling and station excavation works will be split into a number of separate packages, with construction of the station boxes and tunnels commencing in 2010 at four major tunnelling sites. With such an ambitious schedule, the Government recognises that procurement and lead times of the TBMs required is a critical issue that needs further consideration.
The project will be completed in two phases, the first from Epping to Hills Centre by 2015, and the remainder by 2017.
SydneyLink also includes an extension to the M4 motorway, construction of the South West Rail Link, and possible metro lines to the west and southeast.
Major metro developments are planned in Sydney
