Acciona has been single-handedly selected to design and build the second phase of the Western Harbor Tunnel in Sydney, worth 4,240 million Australian dollars (2,764 million euros), which will become the largest contract in the history of the chaired construction company. by Juan Manuel Entrecanales. The construction of this tunnel is expected to start in late 2023 and the work will last for about five years.
For the project of this third crossing of the Port of Sydney, Acciona explored an alternative design using the drilling of tunnels under the ground of the port with a tunnel boring machine, thus avoiding the need for dredging, as That is explained in one by the Spanish company. statement. Acciona explained that this solution is the result of a collaboration between industry and the Government of New South Wales.
With this, it aims to have a low impact on the environment while protecting marine biodiversity and minimizing the impact on recreational and commercial port users. According to Bede Noonan, CEO of Acciona Infrastructures in Australia and New Zealand, this is an iconic project that will be recognized globally for its importance in engineering and design and above all for the positive impact it will have on the community. and environment.
He has also indicated that the company aims to lead the transition towards a low-carbon economy through its projects including the Western Harbor Tunnel. On her part, the New South Wales Metropolitan Highways Minister, Natalie Ward, has indicated that the project will allow it to cope with population growth and strengthen the economy and mobility of the state of New South Wales.
In recent years, Acciona has been awarded other large contracts in Australia. With Ferrovial, it took over a £1,240 million project on the Sydney Metro and, with ACS, two more: one of £750 million for the development of a line between Melbourne and Brisbane and £328 million for the construction of a railway track. One also landing in Sydney.
Although the contract to execute this second phase has been awarded to Acciona alone, the Spanish construction company ACS is collaborating in the project through its subsidiary Cimic, which last January awarded the first section of the tunnel for approximately 222 million euros. The construction contract was awarded. ,
The new connection will be located west of the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, next to the iconic Opera House, where an underwater tunnel already exists. However, a population growth forecast of about 1.6 million over the next 20 years for the city has forced the administration to make another plan.
Once completed, the infrastructure will allow travel time to cross the city to be reduced by 20 minutes. The work is also designed to relieve urban traffic congestion, as the bridge and current tunnel run mainly through the city centre.
