Innovative approach reduces impact of M4-M5 Link construction

Delivery improvements will reduce community impacts and decrease the number of required construction sites on the M4-M5 Link project as part of WestConnex in Sydney.

A WestConnex spokesperson said eight potential construction sites were assessed for the tunnels, however recently appointed contractor, the LSB Joint Venture – comprising Lendlease Engineering, Samsung C&T Corporation and Bouygues Construction – requires fewer sites.

“In positive news for the local community, delivery improvements mean sites near Haberfield Public School are no longer required for tunnelling,” the spokesperson said.

“The Parramatta Road sites (Muirs) at Ashfield and Haberfield will instead be used for lower impact activities such as site offices, worker amenities, parking and material storage. These improvements also mean the Darley Road site is no longer required.”

The White Bay site will also be used for lower impact activities including parking, truck marshalling and storage, minimising the impact on neighbouring residents and businesses.

“The existing New M4 tunnelling construction site at Northcote Street, Haberfield, will continue to be used as a tunnelling construction site, pending Department of Planning approval,” the spokesman said.

“Additionally pre and post construction property condition surveys will be offered to around 5000 properties, with any damage attributed to the project fixed at no cost to the property owner,” the spokesperson added.

“Over the next two months Roads and Maritime Services and our contractor will continue our extensive community consultation program across the Inner West.”

The seven sites to be used for M4-M5 Link tunnels construction are: Northcote Street, Haberfield (existing New M4 site); Parramatta Road, Haberfield (Muirs); Parramatta Road, Ashfield (Muirs); Wattle Street, Haberfield (existing New M4 site); Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown/Annandale; Campbell Road, St Peters (existing New M5 site) 2; White Bay.

The M4-M5 Link is a critical part of WestConnex, connecting the New M4 (incorporating the M4 East and M4 Widening projects) with the New M5, allowing the full benefits of WestConnex to be realised. The M4- M5 Link project received planning approval on 27 April 2018.