Construction of tunnels
The most significant construction site for the Forrestfield-Airport Link tunnels is near the tunnel portal at High Wycombe. This area houses the key infrastructure, including bentonite and slurry treatment plants, which supported the tunnel boring machines. With tunnelling now complete, the infrastructure will be demobilised, making room for the construction of the multi-deck car park and further transit-orientated development.
The tunnel boring machines were launched from this site in 2017 and arrived at Bayswater Junction in 2020, constructing the tunnels along the way. The tunnels vary in depth along the route, with the deepest point being beneath the Swan River, where the centre of the tunnel will be approximately 26m below the riverbed. Overall, the depth of the tunnels averages 20m below the surface.
Cross passages (allowing access between the tunnels) and emergency exits are being constructed at various points along the rail route.