PB role: design of all tunnelling and underground structural works and all service buildings, in joint venture

The 13 km Epping to Chatswood rail line has now opened to the public after seven years in design and construction. The project is the largest public works project in NSW at present, with a total capital value of $2.7 billion.

The passenger line fully integrates into Sydney’s existing rail network, with connections to the Northern and North Shore Lines. It has increased the capacity of the network, and provides direct rail access for the first time to the growing North Ryde – Macquarie Park area. The scheme also connects the major business centre of Chatswood and the growing suburb of Epping.

The Thiess Hochtief Joint Venture was awarded the design–build contract for the civil and systems works. Key components in which PB was involved were:

• 13 km of twin TBM-driven rail tunnel
• 2 access declines and tunnel access shaft
• 4 new underground railway stations, including a cut-and-cover station at Epping
• 8 new service buildings
• rail interchange at Epping Station, with associated surface works and future quadruplicating
• underground service facility at Lane Cove River
• track interface works at Epping and Chatswood stations
• tunnel and cavern excavation support waterproofing and lining
• hydrogeological investigation and assessment, groundwater assessment and dilapidation assessment
• contaminated land management.

Important innovations were achieved on the project, particularly in the design and construction of three new underground stations as large ‘brain-shaped’ caverns.

To complete the tunnels, 4.2 million tonnes of Hawkesbury sandstone needed to be excavated. Almost 100% of the spoil has been re-used.

Click here to find out more about the project.