Western Harbour Tunnel Build and Construction Stage 2

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The Western Harbour Tunnel (WHT), a $4.2 billion infrastructure project, is a 6.5-kilometer, six-lane twin tunnel connecting the WestConnex Rozelle Interchange to the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, bypassing Sydney’s CBD. Scheduled for completion in 2028, it aims to reduce congestion on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge, and Western Distributor, cutting travel times by up to 20 minutes between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park or Leichhardt. The project, delivered in two stages, is expected to create 6,900 jobs and remain in public ownership.

Stage 1, handled by John Holland and CPB Contractors, involves constructing 1.7 kilometers of twin three-lane tunnels from Emily Street, Rozelle, to Cove Street, Birchgrove. Tunnelling began in mid-2022 and was completed in February 2025, including ventilation tunnels and connections to the Rozelle Interchange. Work included excavation, lining, and enabling works for integration into the broader motorway network, with completion expected by late 2025.

Stage 2, awarded to ACCIONA in December 2022, covers the 4.8-kilometer northern section from Birchgrove to North Sydney, including tunnelling under Sydney Harbour. Tunnelling began in November 2023, using six roadheaders to excavate 2.9 kilometers (60% complete by November 2024) and two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) arriving in 2025 for the harbor crossing. A new facility at Emu Plains precasts 13,000 concrete segments and 1,400 culverts, employing 700 workers with a 50% female workforce target. The construction method shifted from an immersed tube tunnel to TBMs to minimise environmental impact by eliminating dredging.

Civil Labour
Electricians
Pipe Layers
Machine Operators
Trade Assistants
CW2-CW5
Skilled Labour
Civil Supervisors
Spotters
Riggers

Sustainability efforts include protecting marine biodiversity and reducing community disruption. The project features a Place, Design and Landscape Plan integrating Aboriginal cultural elements and new public spaces, with community feedback shaping the design.

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