By Lynda Myer
TBMs, named Eileen and Peggy, with 1,066 tones weight have commenced their digging process at the future Airport Business Park Station, creating the initial 5.5 kilometer sections of the twin metro tunnels that is going to lead to the Aerotropolis, whereas the total line length will be 23 kilometers.
Considering that the metro services are currently got closer to the residents of Greater Western Sydney, Eileen and Peggy have already made significant advance underground.
Due to that it is customary in tunneling to name TBMs after women to bring luck to the workers, who seek protection from Saint Barbara, TBM Eileen honors Eileen Cammack OBE, the first female Mayor of Penrith, and the founder of the first pathology laboratory at Nepean District Hospital. TBM Peggy pays tribute to Peggy Kelman OBE, a pioneering aviator who played a crucial role in promoting female aviation and was a flying companion of Nancy-Bird Walton.
The weekly performance of these TBMs will be digging of around 120 meters of tunnels, marking the initial phase in the construction of six new metro stations along the St Marys-Aerotropolis line. Including 250 new apprentices, and a commitment to recruiting at least 20 percent of the workforce from local communities, this project will provide employment for over 14,000 workers.
Also naming the fourth and final TBM for the underground section of the 23-kilometre Sydney Metro, Western Sydney Airport line, will be up to the students from primary schools across the local area.
Being located within three kilometers of the northern end of the metro alignment from St Marys to Orchard Hills, the chosen primary schools are being invited to submit a names consideration.
Responsibility of boring the 4.3-kilometre northern tunnels between the station sites at Orchard Hills and St Marys, is slated to be up to this as-yet-unnamed TBM.
The program is operation of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, while the expected travel time from St Marys metro station to Airport Terminal Station will be 15 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes to reach the Aerotropolis Station.
