By lyndamyer
Providing a western bypass of the CBD, the Western Harbour Tunnel with A$4.24bn (US$2.89bn/£2.36bn) value is going to take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, and Anzac Bridge. The passing path of this tunnel that will link to WestConnex at the Rozelle Interchange, is underneath Sydney Harbour between Birchgrove and Waverton, and it is due to connect with the Warringah Freeway near North Sydney via a 6.5km with three lanes in each direction.
Although the initial intention was constructing an immersed tube tunnel for the crossing, according to minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward the new tunnel would now be underground and built using TBMs, that will obviate the need for two planned jobsites.
After completion of the Western Harbour Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Tunnel will face 20% reduction in traffic, whereas 17% decrease is estimated to be seen on the Harbour Bridge.
While the stage one’s construction process is undergoing by a John Holland and CPB joint venture building the 1.7km of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove, for stage two, further community consultation will take place next year before the start of major work later in the year.
