Working on what is known as Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2, roadheaders have cut through sandstone from Cammeray and are now breaking through 1,000 tonnes of rock a day on the north and southbound mainline tunnels.
Currently underneath the Warringah Freeway, five roadheaders are advancing at 20-25m a week, including one that has commenced tunnelling from Ridge Street North Sydney to complete the future Falcon Street off ramp.
The 6.5km Western Harbour Tunnel – the first new road crossing of Sydney harbour in more than 30 years – is due to open to traffic in 2028.
Tunnels currently being excavated under the Warringah Freeway will progress to Waverton where TBMs will then tunnel under the harbour to Birchgrove and connet with the Rozelle Interchange.
The connection will be a key moment for the Sydney road network as the Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Anzac Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, assisting traffic flow in the inner-west following the opening of the Rozelle Interchange.
The project’s twin, three-lane tunnels are expected to reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35%, the Harbour Tunnel by 20% and the Harbour Bridge by 17%.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns thanked the 3,300 workers on the project, adding that 7,000 jobs were expected to be created before the new crossing opened in 2028.
