After extensive negotiations with construction companies and financial industry players in 2019, the New South Wales Government Corporation has included three candidate companies competing for partners in the development of the Western Sydney Undersea Tunnel. The Western Sydney Undersea Tunnel will become the fourth transportation port channel in this growing city.

The shortlist includes Bechtel Infrastructure (Australia); Harbor West Partners, a consortium of Macquarie Capital, Jacobs, and Australian infrastructure consultant RPS; and Laing O'Rourke Australia.

New South Wales has decided to oppose the private financing model, so it will fund the 6.5-kilometer dual toll tunnel itself.

The tunnel aims to provide a detour to the western passage for Sydney's central business district and simplify traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge.

Whoever becomes the development partner will manage the procurement and construction of this tunnel. The tunnel will start at Rozelle, proceed under the Balmain and Birchgrove tunnels, and then enter Westport (as an immersed tube tunnel) into the Warringah Highway in North Sydney.

The Transport for New South Wales stated that the official tender will be released to shortlisted applicants soon, and the final selection will be completed in 2021.

The tunnel and related projects-the Warringah highway upgrade and the Beaches Link plan-are expected to create approximately 15,000 construction jobs.Editor/Huang Lijun