New Wynyard Walk tunnelling begins as Barangaroo Wharf work gets underway
Tunnelling of the new Wynyard pedestrian walkway has begun. The walkway is set to connect Sydney CBD with the new Barangaroo precinct.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian described the tunnelling as “a major milestone” in an important project for the Sydney CBD.
“The Wynyard Walk will allow pedestrians to travel from the Wynyard transport hub to the Barangaroo waterfront in about six minutes, avoiding steep inclines and road crossings”, Minister Berejiklian said.
She added, “So much work has taken place right in the heart of the CBD for the project to get to this exciting stage, and now the tunnelling is underway.”
The tunnel will be approximately 180 metres long, 3.5 metres high and up to 9.5 metres wide. A ‘Roadheader’ tunnelling machine will be used to dig the tunnel, running between Napoleon Street and Clarence Street, near Wynyard Station.
The walkway is set to provide easy, safe pedestrian access to the CBD for the estimated 23,000 office workers and 33,000 visitors that will use the Barangaroo development on a daily basis.
Minister Berejiklian also confirmed that an environmental assessment is underway for the new ferry hub at Barangaroo. The assessment is expected to ensure construction begins next year and is completed in 2016.
Source: News Release NSW Government media release, 09 October 2014