Construction

Major construction of the Epping to Chatswood rail link began in November 2002 and consists of 12.5km twin underground rail tunnels, each measuring approximately seven metres in diameter, with one track in each tunnel.

It was a $2.3 billion investment and the first extension of the CityRail network since the opening of the Airport Line in 2000.

Excavation of the two underground rail tunnels took almost two years to complete. This excavation was undertaken by two 210-metre-long tunnel boring machines weighing over 1000 tonnes.

Constructed by the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Epping to Chatswood rail link comprises:

• 26,400 metres of track
• 3,300 tonnes of rail
• 25,000 metres of elevated walkway
• 11,000 pre cast panels
• 30,000 cubic metres of concrete track slab
• 75,000 base plates
• 3 crossovers and 49 cross passages

Protecting our environment and communities

A number of work methods were used to protect the environment and local communities from the impacts of construction. These included:

• Vehicle wash facilities to prevent dirt from escaping into waterways;
• Establishment of worksite boundaries to protect flora and fauna;
• Erection of construction hoardings to reduce noise and dust and to protect pedestrians, and
• Restriction of surface work hours to reduce noise impacts.