Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2

Project Description:

The Western Harbour Tunnel is a major road infrastructure project that will deliver a new motorway under Sydney Harbour, providing a direct connection between North Sydney and Rozelle while bypassing the CBD. Once complete, it will form part of a continuous motorway link from WestConnex at Rozelle to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Stage Two involves tunnelling from Cove Street, Birchgrove to the Warringah Freeway near North Sydney, passing under Sydney Harbour, and completing the full tunnel fit-out. Works will include approximately 4.8 kilometres of tunnelling, marine works within the harbour, and the installation of operational infrastructure such as power, lighting, ventilation, fire safety systems, tolling, and intelligent transport systems. Around 1.5 kilometres of the harbour crossing will be completed using tunnel boring machines, with the remainder excavated by roadheaders.

The Western Harbour Tunnel will be Sydney’s second road tunnel under the harbour. When operational, it is expected to reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by up to 35% and on the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Harbour Bridge by up to 20%, significantly improving travel times between the North Shore and the inner west.

Our Role:

Construction Sciences was engaged to provide construction materials testing services for Western Harbour Tunnel – Stage Two. Testing covers materials used in tunnelling works, marine structures, and fit-out activities, ensuring compliance with strict quality, durability, and safety standards throughout the project.

*Image courtesy of ACCIONA.