What caused the M6 motorway construction delay in Sydney?

Large sinkholes that appeared in March 2024 above tunnel sections in Rockdale caused the construction halt.

How much has the M6 motorway project cost so far?

The M6 motorway project is valued at $3.1 billion and is currently facing further cost escalations due to delays.

When will the M6 motorway in Sydney be completed?

The completion date for the M6 motorway is uncertain due to ongoing negotiations over engineering fixes and project delays.

Home / Business and Economy / Sydney M6 Sinkhole: Billions at Risk

Sydney M6 Sinkhole: Billions at Risk

1 Jan

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Summary

M6 motorway construction halted by sinkholes near Rockdale.
Project faces significant delays and cost escalations.
NSW government in complex talks over liability and fixes.

Construction of Sydney's M6 motorway, a $3.1 billion undertaking, has been stalled for almost two years following the appearance of large sinkholes. The project's first stage, between Arncliffe and Kogarah, has been indefinitely paused on a 244-metre tunnel section since March 2024 when a significant sinkhole opened above one of the twin tunnels in Rockdale.

This critical delay has led to complex technical and commercial negotiations between Transport for NSW and the involved contractors. The final cost to complete the affected stretch and the overall timeline are dependent on revised engineering designs and the resolution of liability disputes stemming from the prolonged work stoppage.