Overview

The NorthConnex tunnel tour is designed for engineers with an interest in tunnel operations and infrastructure systems. This guided site visit provides a rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of a complex road tunnel environment, supported by expert technical commentary. Participants will visit key operational areas including the control room, water treatment plant, axial fan room, tunnel portal, ventilation shaft base, feature lighting zone and a cross passage.

Each location will provide insight into how the tunnel operates, maintains safety and manages critical systems in real time. This immersive experience offers practical exposure to tunnel design and operations, highlighting how engineering systems interact to support safety, resilience and performance under both normal and emergency conditions.

Please note: Participation in this tour is limited due to operational and safety constraints, and opportunities of this nature are not easily arranged. As such, registrants are expected to commit fully and act responsibly once confirmed. A waiting list will be maintained, so if you are no longer able to attend, please notify eaevents@engineersaustralia.org.au as soon as possible to allow your place to be offered to another participant.

This event is free for all EA/ATS members.

Who should attend?

Engineers interested in gaining understanding on tunnel operations

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will learn:

• how the NorthConnex tunnel operates under normal and emergency conditions
• how ventilation and fire safety systems maintain safe tunnel environments
• how water treatment and drainage systems are managed within tunnel infrastructure
• how integrated engineering systems support operational efficiency and safety

About the speaker

Thomas Burke

Manager, NorthConnex

Thomas has extensive experience in roads, utilities (gas), construction (civil and building) and mining. He has strengths in leading integrated teams and creating positive cultures. With fundamental skills in managing portfolios of projects, Thomas is driven to lead teams to achieve optimal outcomes within risk tolerances. With authentic leadership he generates and delivers strategic outcomes through innovative and collaborative solutions. NorthConnex — now signposted as the M11 Tunnel — is a 9-kilometer twin-tube motorway tunnel in northern Sydney that connects the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the M2 Hills Motorway at West Pennant Hills. It is one of the longest and deepest road tunnels in Australia. In his role, Thomas leads a team dedicated to the safe and efficient operation of the tunnel around the clock. He has championed the tunnel’s capacity to handle complex logistical challenges, including the facilitation of large and heavy loads, noting that such operations “deliver real benefits for customers and communities across Greater Sydney and beyond.” Thomas is also passionate about community engagement and education. He has personally led guided tours of the NorthConnex Motorway Operations Complex and Tunnel for student groups, including a cohort of 30+ students and teaching staff from Oakhill College, emphasising the importance of safety and inspiring the next generation of infrastructure and engineering professionals. NWR operates and maintains almost 50km of road and 40km of shared path across the Westlink M7 Motorway and NorthConnex Tunnel, enabling over 150 million trips a year and supporting key freight and growth corridors across Sydney.