While this is later than anticipated, the delay was unavoidable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction works are on the home stretch and will be followed by a testing and commissioning period, as well as driver training.
Despite the extended timeframe the original budget of $1.86 billion remains unchanged.
Track laying continues to progress, with almost 17km (85 per cent) of rail in place within the tunnels and at ground level.
Repairs on a section of Tunnel One that was damaged during cross passage construction in September 2018 are complete. A similar method to the one used in the London Underground, the installation of spheroid graphite iron lining has achieved the required strength, durability and water tightness required for the 120-year lifecycle of the tunnels.
Track laying and fit-out works are now underway in this area.
Movement in all directions at Bayswater Junction
Works around the removal of the now obsolete Midland Line infrastructure is wrapping up at the eastern end of the site.
Additional tamping works on the new tracks will be conducted later this month. Tamping ballast (shaking the aggregate underneath the sleepers) is necessary to eliminate voids and create a stable foundation for a smooth ride.
At the western end it's all about the up and down connection, namely the vertical movement between the 11m-deep tunnel entry and the surface level. The permanent staircase between the dive structure and the portal building has been installed and crews are now assembling the lift car.
Redcliffe Station (almost) on the road
With a large part of earthworks for the station precinct complete, the focus has shifted to kerbing and preparation for asphalting within the construction boundary. Outside the construction fence, sections of Central and Bulong avenues are awaiting line marking and completion of crossovers.
Also continuing at ground level is the installation of cladding around the ventilation shafts at the eastern and western ends of the station building.
Aircraft shapes at Airport Central
The above ground section of Airport Central Station has been looking pretty for a while now, with bubble-pattern cladding decorating the glazed station building. Following suit, the platform level – located approximately 15 metres below ground – is starting to look like it's getting ready to welcome trains. Wall painting is complete and crews are mounting the final ceiling panels, which resemble the shape on an aircraft body.
Within the station forecourt permanent civil works are in full swing. Making the most of the intermittent sunny weather, the construction site footprint is slowly shrinking, as work areas are turned back into car parking bays and roads.
High Wycombe Station fit-out in final stages
The terrazzo flooring at both platform and concourse level of the station has been completed, with cleaning and sealing underway. Inside the station building carpet has been laid, with furniture delivery imminent.
Precinct roadworks in the area are progressing, with final touches being applied to the first stage. The northern section of Dundas Road near the Maida Vale Road intersection reopened to traffic last month. Site-wide demolition of temporary works are ongoing to make way for the next stage of the precinct, which is contained within the site boundaries.
Further north, the 1200-bay multi-deck car park is scheduled to be completed later this month, with finishing works such as painting and bollard installation underway.
First egress shaft nearing practical completion
Following the construction of a new entry/exit to Abernethy Road, the Abernethy Emergency Egress Shaft forecourt is ready for installation of its permanent fence, as well as landscaping within the next couple of months.
Fit-out works of the 12 tunnel-to-tunnel cross passages along the alignment is at 50 per cent completion.