The NSW Government shortlisted the following three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunnelling packages for the construction of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD. Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.

• JHCPBG JV - John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia; • GALC JV - Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia; • AF JV - Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia.

They will firstly participate in the Central Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 km of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.

The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 km of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.

The successful tenderer for the Central Tunnelling Package will not be eligible to be awarded the Western Tunnelling Package, driving greater competition in the delivery of Australian tunnelling infrastructure. Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.

Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega TBMs expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

Click au/11 and visit https://www.sydneymetro.info. 36/20.