<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> One of four NFM Technologies boring machines has begun tunnelling work for Sydneyâs North West Rail Link, as part of a $1.15bn contract. </span> <p>’Elizabeth’, the first of four 900 tonne tunnel boring machines manufactured by NFM in Lyon, France, began drilling work yesterday, after being put together at the Bella Vista tunnelling site over the past seven weeks.</p><p>The 120m long machine will help build 15km of twin tunnels required for the NWRL, the line destined to connect Sydney’s north west with the CBD via the existing Epping-Chatswood rail link.</p><p>The four tunnel boring machines being delivered by NFM are part of the $1.15bn tunnelling contract, which is held by the consortium of Thiess, John Holland, and Dragados.</p><p>NSW premier Mike Baird said the first of the four machines was delivered four months ahead of schedule.</p><p>“This is a huge milestone in the delivery of this project,” Baird said. “It shows we are getting on with meeting our commitments and delivering the vital infrastructure this state desperately needs.</p><p>“I’m delighted to stand here as the first massive tunnel boring machine begins its historic journey digging Australia’s longest railway tunnels.”</p><p>Baird and state minister for transport Gladys Berejiklian marked the start of tunnelling and sent ‘Elizabeth’ on its way at a small ceremony at the Bella Vista site.</p><p>“The North West Rail Link has been a top priority for this Government and I am pleased to announce today that the next two tunnel boring machines are also expected to be in the ground before the end of this year, ahead of schedule," Berejiklian said.</p><p>NWRL, which is to be a fully automated driverless rail line, is due to open in 2019. Berejiklian said it was the start of Transport for NSW’s planned Sydney Rapid Transport project, which aims to expand automated rail through to the CBD and on to Bankstown.</p><p>“The NSW Government has made it clear that if we receive a mandate next March, the Sydney Rapid Transit network will be extended through the CBD and west to Bankstown, giving public transport customers right across Sydney access to fast, reliable and modern turn-up-and-go services,” she said.</p><p>“Sydney Rapid Transit will reduce crowding right across the network – unblocking major bottlenecks in the city and allowing up to 60% more trains every hour across the train network.”</p><p>Berejiklian congratulated the Thiess John Holland Dragados consortium, and project director Rodd Staples, on the work so far.</p>
