The project, completed by ACCIONA with Joint Venture partners Bouygues Construction Australia and Samsung, consists of twin 7.5-kilometre four-lane tunnels creating a link between Haberfield and St Peters by connecting the newly constructed tunnels which connect the M4 and M8.
The project will create a western bypass of the CBD along with numerous benefits; eased congestion, connected communities and more than 11,500 jobs both directly and indirectly. The project will provide vital support required for the expected long-term growth of Sydney’s economy and population.
The M4 - M5 Link is being delivered in two parts. Stage 3A is the tunnels connecting the M4 and M8 and Stage 3B is the Rozelle Interchange.
BENEFITS
- By 2031, 40 minutes will be cut from an average peak journey between Parramatta and the Sydney Airport.
- More than 100,000 trips a day are expected on the new extensions of the M4 and M8, removing vehicles which would otherwise clog suburban and city streets.
- Around 4,000 vehicles are forecast to be taken off King Street, with 3,000 fewer vehicles on Sydenham Road each weekday.
- Daily traffic volumes on Parramatta Road between Haberfield and the CBD will be significantly improved with reductions of up to 50% along certain sections.
- Around 2,000 heavy vehicles are forecast to be removed from Parramatta Road east of the M4 Parramatta Road ramps each weekday.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
- Reduced Carbon emission for the project by 28%.
- Reduced the life cycle impacts of materials by 17%.
- Reduced water consumption by 60% in construction.
- Optimising non-potable water reuse (currently at 62%).
- 100% reuse of all usable spoil.
- 98% recycling of construction and demolition waste.
- 20% green power.
- 31% supplementary cement material in concrete mixes.
AWARDS
- Outstanding International Shotcrete Project of the Year – American Shotcrete Association (ASA).
- Excellence in Economic Outcomes – Infrastructure Sustainability Council.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales.
- Contract type: Design and construction.
- Infrastructure: 7.5 km twin tunnels.
- Year of project completion: 2023
- Project value: –$3.9 billion.
KEY ASPECTS
- The design and construct contract for the M4-M5 Link Tunnels was awarded to the joint venture of Acciona Construction Australia, Samsung C&T and Bouygues Construction Australia (ASBJV) in June 2018.
- 5km twin tunnels, three lanes in each direction.
- Largest road transport infrastructure project in Australia.
- Construction started in 2018 and the project will be open to traffic in 2023.
- Contributes to the $20bn of economic benefits to NSW.
- The travel time between the existing M4 and M8 using the new tunnels is expected to be eight minutes.
- Creates a bypass of 52 sets of traffic lights.
- This project is the most critical component of the 33km WestConnex Motorway, with Rozelle Interchange being the final stage of the WestConnex network.