Country:	Australia
Key Area:	Transportation
Services:	Structural Engineering,Transportation Infrastructure Design

The 12.5 kilometre long underground rail line from Epping to Chatswood links the Northern and North Shore Rail Lines via the expanding educational and commercial precinct of Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, and North Ryde. Opus International Consultants provided structural and civil design services for the surface works and fit-out of the underground caverns. Epping Station was upgraded to provide an efficient transport interchange with the reconstruction of a new ‘aerial concourse’ over the fully functioning rail corridor and between two busy roads. This posed complex challenges in design, logistics and construction for which Opus provided innovative solutions to achieve the desired outcomes. Four new underground stations were constructed, with some materials brought in through the rail tunnel itself. The highly adjustable metallic framing of the underground stations facilitated the cladding of the variably-shaped caverns, and purpose-built travelling scaff olds enabled safe, speedy installation and fit-out. Five elegant, glass-covered curved steel canopies distinguish the surface entrances of the three intermediate stations at Macquarie University, Macquarie Park and North Ryde, allowing natural light and ventilation to penetrate deep into the entry shafts. This creates a light and welcoming feel to the stations.

Services provided by Opus included:

• Concept design for the above-ground and below-ground structural and above-ground civil components of the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link stations.
• Detailed design of the above-ground structures and adjoining roads, and the fit out / background support structure of the underground stations.
• Ongoing design support and inspection services throughout construction of the works.

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