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insights WestConnex M4 East | Keeping Sydney moving

WestConnex is part of Sydney’s integrated transport plan that is easing congestion, creating jobs and connecting communities. It’s also providing crucial support for the city’s long-term economic and population growth.

AtkinsRéalis was brought in to work on the M4 East– the first underground section of the WestConnex network in November 2017. Our mandate, which has been successfully completed, was to deliver the electrical fit out of the western section of the tunnel, including the substations, jet fans, electrical equipment rooms, permanent and emergency lighting, communications systems, intelligent messaging and the pre-commissioning. 

Experience on challenging, complex projects

Working underground and on projects of this nature brings unique challenges, such as complex schedules and sharing work fronts with a number of contractors. Our teams have extensive knowledge working on challenging projects so we were able to efficiently mitigate the risks and executed the works without incurring serious safety incidents, and ensuring everyone got home safely at the end of every day. 

Learning new skills and expanding opportunities

this is a image of a construction site

Many of our team had never worked underground before, so we went to great lengths to arm everyone with the correct knowledge and equipment to carry out their duties safely. Equipped with new skillsets and broadened opportunities on this iconic project, our team not only met stringent timeframes – through their hard work and focus, once we finished our scope of works, we were subsequently awarded an additional scope, entailing a complete fit-out of the Parramatta ramps on the eastern end of the tunnel.

Teams who turn challenges into innovation

We are proud of our over 500 strong team, who achieved project completion with zero lost time injuries (LTI). Every individual took quality and safety seriously at all times, proactively exploring options to reduce risk on site. For example, the team quickly identified the risk imposed by the number of elevated work platforms (EWPs) required in tight spaces. Collaborating with a local supplier we designed and supplied innovative, custom made platforms to install cables along the side tunnel walls, eliminating the need for the EWPs. The lightweight aluminum structures provided safe access to the work face, reducing potential incidents and risks while increasing productivity.

PROJECT STATS:

this is a image of a tunnel

Local project stats:

Over 500 personnel with zero LTI

25 km
of cable containment

500 km
of cabling

6000
lights, cameras and signaling devices

500
team members

ZERO
lost time injuries

We’re also proud to have been involved in this major city-shaping infrastructure project because of the difference it is making to local communities. It’s shifting traffic and heavy vehicles to the underground motorway, helping the people of Western Sydney to get their local streets back. 

Excited about shaping a better world? Find out how you can join us here.