A major milestone was reached on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels project  - 41 m underground at the St Peters Interchange - with roadheaders carving through to the M8, linking two WestConnex stages underground for the first time.   

This breakthrough is the first of six planned on the $3.2 billion project this year. 

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels are the missing link in Sydney’s motorway network. Once connected the twin 7.5 km tunnels will create an underground western bypass of the CBD. 

These tunnels will change the way people move around Sydney, providing a link between the M4, M8 and through to the M5 corridor as well as connections to future motorway projects including Sydney Gateway, M6 Stage 1 and the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link via the Rozelle Interchange. 

Significant progress has been made underground with 17km excavated and tunnelling on track to be completed this year. These tunnels are so important because they will allow drivers to experience the full benefits of the 33 kilometre WestConnex network. 

WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the M4-M5 Link Tunnels currently have 28 roadheaders in operation. 

The M4-M5 Link is utilising the largest number of roadheaders on a single project anywhere in Australia, each progressing at around 25 m per week. 

Around 25% of the road pavement has now been laid and the E&M  fitout of the tunnels is also under way. 

When the M4-M5 Link Tunnels open in 2023, drivers using the New M4 Tunnels will have the option to stay underground at Haberfield and travel on up to four lanes through to the St Peters Interchange. 

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will further enhance the current travel time savings for drivers using WestConnex, allowing them to save up to 40 minutes on a trip between Parramatta and the Sydney airport. 

Click here for a video, here and au/13 for the tunnelbuilder archive reports on the project. Visit https://www.westconnex.com.au/ and  https://www.bouygues-construction.com.au  05/21. 

 https://www.bouygues-construction.com.au =>