SydneyMetro TBM UrbanTransport SydneyMetroWest

Final breakthrough marks major milestone for Sydney Metro West tunnelling

*Breakthrough of TBM Dorothy at the future Westmead Station. Source: Tunnelling Journal*

The Sydney Metro West project has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of tunnelling on its western end. The second tunnel boring machine, known as TBM Dorothy, has broken through at the future Westmead Station, concluding a two-year excavation effort. This achievement follows the earlier arrival of TBM Betty, which reached the same station two months prior. Together, the two machines excavated nearly 800,000 tonnes of material, forming the twin tunnels that will support future metro operations.

More than 150,000 concrete lining segments will ultimately be installed across the 24-kilometre alignment. At the opposite end of the project, TBMs Jessie and Ruby continue advancing beneath Darling Harbour toward Hunter Street, maintaining progress on the eastern section.

Westmead metro station towards Hunter Street. Source: 7news

The new Westmead Station is designed to provide enhanced access to Sydney’s major hospital and health precinct, which is already served by multiple transport modes. When the line opens in 2032, travel times will include a two-minute connection to Parramatta and a 22-minute journey to the Sydney CBD. The station’s development has involved extensive community engagement, including educational participation from local students who contributed artwork to the final tunnel segment installed on the western end.

TBMs Jessie and Ruby now have fewer than 700 metres remaining before reaching the future Hunter Street Station in central Sydney. Source: Sydney Metro

Stakeholders have highlighted the project’s role in improving transport capacity, supporting western Sydney’s growth, and strengthening regional mobility through high-frequency metro services.

Check out the following video for more information on the breakthrough milestone.