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NSW awards the $722 million contract for the first stage of Sydney's Western Harbour Tunnel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G8fYlAP-M4
After ex-Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned (in relation to corruption investigation), things seem to have accelerated for Western Harbour Tunnel in Sydney. Finally a contractor has been named for the part of the proposed 6.5 kilometre twin tube road tunnel to link the WestConnex at Rozelle toll road to North Sydney.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove, at the same time announcing the short list for the second stage (Acciona Construction Australia, Bouygues Construction Australia & Vinci Construction Grands Projets JV, and John Holland, CPB Contractors and UGL Engineering JV will now begin the formal tender process).
The whole process of the Western Harbour was delayed for about one year. In December 2020 the government has announced a shortlist of so-called "Development Partners" only to be quietly dropped in September 2021.
The tunnel is criticized by the environmentalists and the scientists who warn that the dredging for the immersed tunnel would release highly poisoned chemicals in the Sydney Harbour.
Awarding of the contract for the first stage of the tunnel is definitely a solid step towards the execution of the project.
NSW's announcement for the first stage reads:
Construction of Western Harbour Tunnel to begin in mid-year
Published19 Jan 2022
Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.
“This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel is part of a major infrastructure boost to expand our motorways and serve our growing city.
“We all want to have the quickest and smoothest journey possible and this terrific project will slash travel times from one side of the harbour to the other,” Mrs Ward said.
“You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot.”
It’s estimated the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the detailed tunnel design, will start this month.
“Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Ms Wilson said.
John Holland and CPB are currently delivering the Rozelle interchange as part of WestConnex, with the new Western Harbour Tunnel contract ensuring a seamless continuation of tunnelling work already underway.
Also posted on John Holland site:
Work to deliver Western Harbour Tunnel early awarded John Holland and CPB
John Holland and CPB Contractors have reached an agreement with the NSW Government to design and construct part of the Western Harbour Tunnel (WHT) project in parallel with the existing Rozelle Interchange works.
The agreement to extend the current scope of work will reduce construction impacts on the local community and enable this section of the Western Harbour Tunnel project to be delivered ahead of schedule.
The additional scope includes 1.7 kilometres of mainline road tunnels for Western Harbour Tunnel running from the Rozelle Interchange towards Birchgrove Oval in addition to tunnels for ventilation, ramps and other services.
The extension of work takes advantage of established resources, expertise, and site access and will fast track the delivery of this part of the project.
The work will be delivered as a fixed price design and construct contract.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr said he was pleased the government has taken the opportunity to accelerate the delivery the Western Harbour Tunnel by utilising the capability, resources and expertise of the team successfully delivering the Rozelle Interchange.
“Today’s announcement is a win for the community. The Western Harbour Tunnel is a key transport project for Sydney, today’s announcement means it can now be delivered faster with savings for taxpayers and fewer impacts to the local community and environment.”
There are no impacts to delivery of Rozelle parklands or the planned completion of the Rozelle Interchange which despite the challenges of COVID remains on schedule for completion at the end 2023.
The excavation work on the southern tunnel section of Western Harbour Tunnel will begin in mid-2022 and is planned for completion by mid-2025.
cover tunnel photo by: Matt Brown from London, England / CC BY
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At the same time, NSW announces the short list for the construction of the second stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel in Sydney.
Announcement reads:
Stage is set for second package of Western Harbour Tunnel Project
Published19 Jan 2022
Transport for NSW has today confirmed the short list for the tenderers for stage two of Western Harbour Tunnel project which will see a second tunnel crossing across Sydney Harbour.
The successful parties of Acciona Construction Australia, Bouygues Construction Australia & Vinci Construction Grands Projets JV, and John Holland, CPB Contractors and UGL Engineering JV will now begin the formal tender process.
A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said progress on the Western Harbour Tunnel is well underway.
“We have reached a very exciting time for the project with early works set to start next week, the contract being awarded today for stage one and the announcement today of the tenderers for stage two,” the spokesperson said.
“The second package will be to deliver the remainder of the Western Harbour Tunnel, including the balance of northern tunnelling from Birchgrove, through Sydney Harbour and onto North Sydney, the marine work and all the tunnel fit-out.
“We offer our congratulations to the shortlisted tenderers and look forward to working with them as we continue to work through the tender and procurement process.”
It is expected the successful tenderer will be announced later this year.
“Once completed, Western Harbour Tunnel will change the way people move around Sydney and provide more options for motorists, whilst also reducing traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge as well as the Western Distributor,” the spokesperson said.
“Combined with the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, there will be improved public transport connections, with quicker access to interchanges and a new, direct connection to North Sydney, and more opportunities for bus routes to the Inner West.”
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/stage-set-for-second-package-of-western-harbour-tunnel-project