The contract to deliver stage two of the Western Harbour Tunnel Project in New South Wales has officially been awarded by the NSW Government. ACCIONA won the project’s $4.24 billion contract and thus will be responsible for the project’s third Harbour crossing development.
The Harbour tunnel will serve as a connection to WestConnex, right at the Rozelle Interchange. Moreover, it will cross underneath Sydney Harbour between Waverton and Birchgrove.
Additionally, through a 6.5-kilometer tunnel, it will also serve as a connection to the Warringah Freeway that is near North Sydney. Impressively, the tunnel will feature three lanes in each direction.
Instead of the construction of an immersed tube tunnel, the project’s tunnel will be constructed underground with Tunnel Boring Machines. Tunneling will cause less general disruption and construction sites at Berrys Bay and Balls Head in Wavertone.
Western Harbour Tunnel project to significantly reduce traffic
The project will immensely contribute towards a decrease in the travel time from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney by 20 minutes.
Furthermore, the Western Harbour Tunnel Project will reduce traffic on the Anzac Bridge, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As it will provide a western by-pass to the Central Business District (CBD), it will also take pressure off other major roads across the city.
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Natalie Ward, the NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads spoke about the project. Commenting on the project as well, the Member for North Shore remarked that the community will gain significant benefits from the project.
Upon completion, the Western Harbour Tunnel Project will cut traffic by 35% within the Western Distributor. Additionally, it will cut traffic down by 17% on the Harbour Bridge and by 20% on the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Alongside further community consultation, major construction works for stage two will commence in late 2023.
