Three international contracting teams been shortlisted for the construction of a major rail tunnel under Sydney Harbour in Australia.

The eastern tunnelling package for the Sydney Metro West includes 3.5km of twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour.

The shortlist is made up of:

• Acciona Construction Australia & Ferrovial Construction (Australia) joint venture (AF JV);
• Bouygues Construction Australia, Vinci Construction Grands Projets Australia & Soletanche Bachy International joint venture (BV JV); and
• John Holland, CPB Contractors & Ghella joint venture (JCG JV).

The tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages. Acciona Ferrovial JV was awarded the central tunnelling package and the western tunnelling package will be awarded shortly.

The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year and Completion of Sydney Metro West is due in 2030.