The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment announced that Sydney Metro has received the green light for tunneling between The Bays and Sydney CBD, completing plans for the 24 km (15 miles) twin tunnels from Westmead to Hunter Street in the heart of the city.

Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said planning approval has been granted for Sydney Metro to deliver 3.5 km (2.2 miles) twin tunnels from The Bays into the CBD, under Johnstons Bay and Darling Harbor, as well as excavating Pyrmont and Hunter Street stations.

“Two major tunneling contracts have been awarded for tunneling between Westmead and The Bays.” Roberts said.

“Starting at The Bays, tunnel boring machines will cross under the harbor, alongside Anzac Bridge, before heading to the new Pyrmont Station, then under Darling Harbor before reaching Hunter Street Station in the Sydney CBD.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the project is another step closer to delivering world-class transport infrastructure for the people of NSW.

“This is the final tunnel section for the new 24 km (15 miles) metro line on this game changing project that will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD,” Elliott said.

“Sydney Metro West will significantly cut crowding on three major train lines, take tens of thousands of cars off the roads every day and support the creation of 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs in western Sydney.”

Sydney Metro has shortlisted three consortia to deliver the third and final tunnelling section between The Bays and Sydney CBD. This tunneling package is expected to be awarded in late 2022.

Future planning approvals for Sydney Metro West will consider rail infrastructure, station buildings and precincts and over and adjacent station development at various locations. These will be subject to further community and stakeholder engagement. 

Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020, with the project on track to be completed by 2030. In 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113 km (70 miles) of new metro rail.

Photo credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment