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ACCIONA is proud to celebrate a major milestone on the Western Harbour Tunnel project—marking one year of successful tunnel excavation.
As part of the NSW Government’s largest infrastructure program in history, this transformative project is set to revolutionise the movement of people and goods across Sydney.
SYDNEY, 27 NOVEMBER 2024.
ACCIONA is proud to celebrate a major milestone on the Western Harbour Tunnel project—marking one year of successful tunnel excavation.
As part of the NSW Government’s largest infrastructure program in history, this transformative project is set to revolutionise the movement of people and goods across Sydney.
Currently, ACCIONA’s skilled teams are operating six roadheaders, progressing south from Cammeray, under North Sydney and Waverton, and towards Sydney Harbour with more than 2500m of tunnel now excavated. Mainline tunnel excavation has advanced beneath the Warringah Freeway, with off-ramp works extending towards the Pacific Highway.
Innovation at the Forefront
ACCIONA’s commitment to innovation has been instrumental in delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel. The project features the implementation of tele-remote roadheaders—the first of their kind globally. This cutting-edge technology allows roadheaders to be operated remotely from an isolated control cab up to 200 metres away from the tunnel face, significantly enhancing worker safety by reducing exposure to rock fall hazards and dust.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainability remains at the core of Transport for NSW and ACCIONA’s approach to the Western Harbour Tunnel project. Alongside reusing 100% of clean tunnel spoil as fine aggregate for flowable concrete—diverting over 587,355 cubic metres of waste from landfill—the project is also proud to power the project entirely with 100% green energy.
This commitment to renewable energy reduces the project’s carbon footprint, aligning with ACCIONA’s global ambition to achieve net-zero emissions while delivering transformative infrastructure projects. By integrating sustainable practices into every stage of construction, Transport for NSW and ACCIONA continues to lead the way in shaping a greener, more resilient future for Sydney and beyond.
Leadership Perspectives
ACCIONA Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand, Bede Noonan, commended the collective efforts of the team:
“It’s very exciting, and I congratulate everyone involved—whether in administration, operating the roadheaders, or planning the project. Every role is critical.”
Highlighting ACCIONA’s future focus, Mr. Noonan added:
“This project showcases the innovation we bring to delivering infrastructure in New South Wales and across Australia. Next year, we’ll take delivery of two of the largest tunnel boring machines ever used in the southern hemisphere to sustainably complete this iconic Harbour crossing.”
The one-year milestone on the Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2 project exemplifies ACCIONA’s role in reshaping Sydney’s infrastructure landscape. Through pioneering technology and steadfast sustainability commitments, ACCIONA continues to set new benchmarks in safety and environmental excellence in the construction industry.