First two TBM’s begin major Sydney Metro West tunnelling works

The first two tunnel boring machines have begun tunnelling out the next section of the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line.

The Sydney Metro West project will double rail capacity between the two CBDs, linking new communities to rail services and supporting employment growth and housing supply.

The new 24-kilometre metro line will include stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

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Tunnel boring machine Daphne is already 150 metres into its 11 kilometre journey to Sydney Olympic Park. Tunnel boring machine Beatrice is 45 metres into its journey on the parallel tunnel.

TBM Daphne has been named in honour of pioneer for Paralympic sport Daphne Hilton, while TBM Beatrice’s namesake is iconic local newspaper seller Beatrice Bush who sold newspapers for over 25 years in Sydney.

On top of tunnelling, works on the tunnels will also include the construction of cross passages and crossover caverns. Construction of the twin metro tunnels is being led by the Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture, which was awarded the construction contract in July 2021.

Passenger services are expected to commence in 2030.