Eileen and Peggy have already made significant progress underground, bringing metro services closer to the residents of Greater Western Sydney. It is customary in tunnelling to name TBMs after women to bring luck to the workers, who seek protection from Saint Barbara.
Image Credit: courtesy of Sydney Metro.
TBM Eileen honours Eileen Cammack OBE, the first female Mayor of Penrith, and the founder of the first pathology laboratory at Nepean District Hospital. TBM Peggy pays tribute to Peggy Kelman OBE, a pioneering aviator who played a crucial role in promoting female aviation and was a flying companion of Nancy-Bird Walton.
Image Credit: courtesy of Sydney Metro.
These TBMs will excavate approximately 120 meters of tunnels per week, marking the initial phase in the construction of six new metro stations along the St Marys-Aerotropolis line. This project will provide employment for over 14,000 workers, including 250 new apprentices, with a commitment to hiring at least 20 percent of the workforce from local communities.
Image Credit: courtesy of Sydney Metro.
Additionally students from primary schools across the local area will have a chance to name the fourth and final TBM for the underground section of the 23-kilometre Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line.
The primary schools selected are within three kilometres of the northern end of the metro alignment from St Marys to Orchard Hills and are being invited to submit a names consideration.
The as-yet-unnamed TBM will carve out the 4.3-kilometre northern tunnels between the station sites at Orchard Hills and St Marys.
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is scheduled to operate alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport. The expected travel time from St Marys metro station to Airport Terminal Station will be 15 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes to reach the Aerotropolis Station.
