The AU$2.81 billion project is using five tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to construct twin 15.5 km metro tunnels from Chatswood to Sydenham, resulting in the first rail tunnels under Sydney Harbour.
Mr Barr said John Holland was proud to have helped make Australia’s first driverless metro a reality.
“More than a thousand men and women from John Holland worked on this city-shaping project,” he said.
“Sydney Metro is a testament to their imagination, their determination and their hard work.
“John Holland people built the tunnels, laid the track, built the stations and prepared the railway for carrying passengers.
“The start of Sydney Metro services will bring communities in Sydney closer together and transform the way we move around Australia’s largest city.”
The opening of the railway is a significant milestone for the company, boosting it’s presence in rail operations and maintenance.
Currently, John Holland is building the tunnels under Sydney Harbour, as well as upgrading Sydenham Station and junction.
In January the first of the five TBMs arrived in Sydney.
The 150 m long and 1,100 t machine will tunnel beneath the city centre, through Sydney’s hard sandstone geology.
Six new metro stations are also being constructed as part of the project at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo.
For more information visit the John Holland website
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