Ruby revs up for final stretch of Sydney Metro West tunnelling

At the beginning of September, the 1,100-tonne TBM began its 1.1-kilometre journey from Pyrmont to the future Hunter Street Station where it is expected to break through later this year. 

The TBM will tunnel through Sydney sandstone at an average speed of 90 metres per week, to build the tunnel about 37 metres below the surface.  

This section of tunnel will require the TBM to travel below Darling Harbour from the Australian Maritime Museum to King Street Wharf for 250 metres. These metro tunnels will be located 35 metres below the water surface level, where there is approximately five metres between the harbour floor and the top of the tunnel.   

A team of 12 TBM operators working in 12-hour shifts will guide Ruby to the finish line. This complex dig will require precision as the TBMs tunnel within metres of the Australian Maritime Museum, the City East electricity cable tunnel and Wynyard Station. 

In the coming weeks, TBM Jessie will follow suit and relaunch from Pyrmont to make the final trip to Hunter Street, carving out the parallel tunnel to TBM Ruby.  

The TBMs will reach their final destination by the end of the year, completing the 2.3-kilometre section of tunnel between The Bays and Hunter Street. This includes the TBMs worming their way below Sydney Harbour three times at Rodd Point, Johnsons Bay and Darling Harbour and tunnelling within 25 metres of the Anzac Bridge. 

Tunnelling for Sydney Metro West has been underway since early 2023 and major tunnelling has reached 90 per cent completion for the 24-kilometre line that will connect Westmead to the Sydney CBD. 

Sydney Metro West is targeting an opening date of 2032 and when open will provide unmatched travel times from the city centre and across Sydney’s western suburbs including: 

• Pyrmont to Hunter Street in 2 minutes
• Hunter Street to Parramatta in 20 minutes
• Hunter Street to Sydney Olympic Park in 15 minutes
• Five Dock to Parramatta in 12 minutes