Students name final tunnel boring machine for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport

The fourth and final tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project has been named TBM Marlene after Dr Marlene Kanga AO, who is a global leader in engineering and a role model to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The TBM’s name was unveiled at a special launch ceremony held at the Sydney Metro Orchard Hills Station site, with representatives from six local primary schools that participated in a TBM naming competition in attendance.

Claremont Meadows Public School submitted the winning name, while the other schools involved, including Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, Kurrambee School, St Marys South Public School, St Marys North Public School and Orchard Hills Public School, were recognised for their significant thought and effort into the suggested names put forward.

TBM Marlene will tunnel 4.3-kilometres, from Orchard Hills to St Marys, to carve out the metro tunnel alongside TBM Catherine which is currently about 100 metres into its journey. 

The TBM will tunnel at an average speed of 120 metres a week and is expected to arrive at the Sydney Metro St Marys Station site in mid-2024. 

The launch of TBM Marlene means all four TBMs are now in the ground to help build the 23-kilometre Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line that will become the transport spine for Greater Western Sydney, connecting communities and travellers with the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the growing region.