Stage 1 Tunnels – Rozelle, Balmain and Birchgrove.
Western Harbour Tunnel is being delivered in two stages. The southern section of the tunnel, Stage 1, was constructed by John Holland CPB Contractors (JHCPB) and is now complete.
Stage 1 started on 29 June 2022 underneath Emily Street, Rozelle, and involved the excavation of 1.7 kilometres of traffic tunnels to Cove Street in Birchgrove. It did not include tunnel fit-out activities.
The project involved excavation of more than seven kilometres of tunnels in total, including traffic tunnels, cross passages, temporary ventilation caverns and substations. JHCPB completed all Stage 1 tunnelling activities on Friday 14 February 2025.
Stage 2 contractor, ACCIONA, will continue excavating the tunnels from Birchgrove to Cammeray and complete the tunnel fit-out. Click here to find out more about tunnelling from Birchgrove to Cammeray.
All residents within 50 metres of the outer edge of the Stage 1 tunnels were offered a free pre-construction property condition survey (PCS) before tunnelling started in the area, as well as a post-construction PCS after excavation was completed.
All eligible properties have now received their post-construction PCS offers from JHCPB. Three offers were sent by post directly to the relevant residential addresses.
We held tunnelling information sessions for Birchgrove residents in May 2024 to provide relevant information about timings, ground conditions and tunnel design in Birchgrove, as well as provide the opportunity for you to ask questions. A video of the online community information session is available to view here.
Please follow the links below for more information.
Information sessions
Tunnelling information sessions for the Birchgrove community were held in person and online in May 2024. Please click here to view the presentation.
Stage 1 project completion
The Stage 1 project is now complete. Click here to watch our video and find out more.
Tunnel Tool (location and depth of tunnels)
View the final design and depth of the tunnel and where it is in relation to your property.
Property condition surveys
Learn how we conduct property condition surveys
FAQs
See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for answers to some common questions people ask
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Western Harbour Tunnel