Sydney’s ‘unbuildable motorway’ to be completed after two-year delay caused by sinkholes
Summary
Construction on Sydney’s $3.1 billion M6 motorway project will restart after a two-year pause caused by sinkholes and underground faults. The private contractor consortium will cover the extra costs, with the motorway now expected to open no earlier than 2028.Key Facts
- The M6 project involves building twin 4km tunnels connecting Sydney’s south to the city’s wider road network.
- Construction began after approval in 2019, with an original finish date planned for 2024, later delayed to 2025, and now set for at least 2028.
- Work stopped in June 2025 due to two large sinkholes and a high-angle reverse fault in the tunnels’ bedrock.
- A private consortium called CGU (CPB Contractors, Ghella, and UGL) was responsible for the tunnel work and paused the project because of safety and cost concerns.
- The NSW government and the consortium reached a deal where the consortium will pay to complete the project, avoiding extra costs for taxpayers.
- About 250 metres of tunneling remain, and contractors may use a technique called jet grouting to stabilize the ground before continuing.
- Government officials said the contract has clear rules for resolving disputes, and work will restart immediately.
- The government had considered abandoning the project during the dispute but decided to continue.
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