The Tunnel Company turned to Preston Hire for a smart, flexible lifting solution to support the Bonds Creek Carrier Extension – a major infrastructure project set to deliver a 1.4km wastewater tunnel connecting services to over 2,000 new lots in Western Sydney. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the project is critical to supporting growth in the region.
THE CHALLENGE
Building the tunnel’s entry point presented several logistical challenges. The Tunnel Company needed to safely lift and lower a wide variety of materials, ranging from excavators to 17-tonne concrete rings (6 metres in diameter and 1.5 metres high) into and out of the shaft.
Additional heavy lifting was required elsewhere on-site, including 7-tonne building materials and man box work to install access ladders within the shaft. Maintaining safety, efficiency, and project momentum across both areas was essential.
OUR SOLUTION
To meet these demands, Preston Hire deployed two crawler cranes from our SuperCrane™ fleet: the 70t Sennebogen 673E and the 40T Sennebogen 643R. The Sennebogen 673E was chosen for its outstanding lifting capacity and mobility, ideal for handling the concrete rings and heavy machinery. The Sennebogen 643R managed the lighter yet still substantial tasks, including lifting the 7-tonne building materials and facilitating man box work. The versatility of our 40t crane allowed it to handle these heavy and lighter lifts, removing the need for equipment changes and keeping the schedule on track.
THE IMPACT
Both cranes have performed beyond expectations, delivering the speed, strength, and flexibility the site required. With fewer delays, faster setup, and seamless adaptability, the project has benefited from greater efficiency and improved cost control.
The Tunnel Company was extremely pleased with the performance of our equipment and the support received. They shared that the experience has shifted how they will plan future project – indicating that our crawler cranes will now be factored into their planning from the outset, due to the value, speed, and versatility they bring to complex job sites.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our Sennebogen 673E will remain on-site for approximately three months, supporting critical phases of the tunnel construction. Meanwhile, the 643R has completed a week-long lift package.
As the Bonds Creek Carrier Extension moves toward completion, Preston Hire is proud to support The Tunnel Company in delivering long-term value for Sydney Water and the growing Western Sydney community.
