By Lynda Myer
As the final TBM for the Sydney Metro, Western Sydney Airport project, the fourth TBM of this project has been unveiled at a launch ceremony.
With attendance of the pupils from six local primary schools who had taken part in a TBM naming competition, the event was held, while TBM Marlene, was the wined and submitted name by Claremount Meadows Public School after Dr. Marlene Kanga, who is a global leader in engineering and a role model to women in STEM.
In order to digging the metro tunnel alongside TBM Catherine, which is now almost 100m into its journey, TBM Marlene is due to tunnel 4.3km, from Orchard Hills to St Marys.
While the weekly average speed of TBM will be 120m, it is expected to arrive at the St Marys metro station site in mid-2024.
Following commissioning of TBM Marlene, CPB Contractors and Ghella Joint Venture now have all four TBMs in the ground to build the 23km Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport.
Considering that TBM Eileen arrived at the Airport Terminal metro station site after constructing 1.26km of fully lined tunnel in July, the first breakthrough was made on the line.
Once Western Sydney International Airport opens for passenger services, the 23km rail line is slated to be operational.
