The Bays Metro Station Box.

Rozelle

The Project.

AFJV was awarded the first of three major tunnelling contracts for the Sydney Metro West Project. The new underground railway was set to double rail capacity between Greater Sydney and the Sydney CBD, with customers able to travel from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD in around 20 minutes on a fast, safe and reliable driverless metro train. Sydney Metro West also created more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, many of which were generated by this major contract.

Project Info.

Contract

Construct

Client

Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture

Value

$10m – $20m

Project Cost

Commencement: July 2022 | Completion: April 2023

Our Scope.

• Excavation and Haul Scope
• 51,500m³ of fill material (OTR)
• 47,700m³ of weathered sandstone
• 86,000m³ of fresh sandstone
• Excavation and haul of asbestos-containing material
• Hammering of excavated rock face
• Loading of spoil onto trucks
• Stockpile management
• Haulage of excavated material to relevant tipping sites
• Dust control using cannons and sprinklers
• Dewatering and water management

Challenges & Our Approach.

The Moits team encountered numerous challenges whilst undertaking the Bays Station Box excavation. As part of Moits’ excavation package, we utilised telescopic attachments, long-reach excavators and D475 dozers to address the restrictions associated with confined station box operations.

The project’s 24-hour shift cycle, including continuous handovers between day and night crews, was managed without mishap, resulting in seamless operational continuity. Working through night shifts in a reduced-visibility environment introduced additional complexities, which were mitigated through advanced planning, enhanced fatigue management strategies, and rigorous supervision.

Dust suppression was a crucial environmental control measure, with the deployment of sprinkler systems and dust cannons to maintain air quality in line with regulatory standards. Close coordination with AFJV was pivotal, particularly when working alongside other subcontractors to allow for the installation of rock anchors and shotcrete.

Dewatering presented a particularly complex obstacle, requiring detailed assessments and the consideration of multiple methods, including spears and well systems. Given the atypical site conditions, a collaborative approach with AFJV was critical to refining a dewatering methodology that effectively mitigated groundwater ingress.

Despite these challenges, the project was executed with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI), Medical Treatment Injuries (MTI), First Aid Incidents (FAI), environmental harm, or other incidents. This technical partnership enabled Moits to complete the project successfully, overcoming substantial environmental and operational constraints and delivering a safe and efficient outcome.

Gallery.