ACCIONA has officially commenced tunnel excavation on the Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2 project — which is part of the New South Wales government’s largest infrastructure program in history that will transform the ways in which people commute and goods are transported.

The company’s first roadheader has set off from the Cammeray temporary construction site forming a temporary access tunnel underneath road reserve towards the Warringah Freeway — where it will start excavating the mainline tunnels — travelling south underneath the Warringah Freeway towards our Ridge Street temporary construction site.

ACCIONA Chief Executive Officer Australia & New Zealand, Bede Noonan, said ACCIONA’s contribution to the innovative design of the Western Harbour Tunnel is driven by the company’s approach to continuously seek more sustainable solutions for how infrastructure is designed and delivered.

He continued on as he stated that this was an approach that differentiated and guided ACCIONA every day — one that will continue to be applied through the tunnel excavation process.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to everyone’s collective hard work with our partners, Transport for NSW, and our design Joint Venture partners Aecom and Aurecon. Over the coming years, it will be our privilege to deliver this regenerative and world class transport solution to the people of NSW,” said Noonan.

ACCIONA has designed and constructed more than 600 kilometres of urban road and rail tunnels worldwide.

The company released a statement, which reads: “Being part of the Western Harbour Tunnel project is not only momentous for the business in Australia, but it will be globally recognised for an infrastructure solution that is technologically advanced, improves the construction experience for local communities, optimises environmental performance and delivers better value for the people of NSW.”

ACCIONA was awarded the contract in December 2022 and it is valued at an estimated $4.24 billion.