The Cost of Fragmentation in Mega-Projects 

Fragmentation in transport mega-projects undermines both efficiency and sustainability. Dividing large-scale projects into smaller, staged packages may simplify funding and delivery, but it often results in unnecessary duplication of effort and resources. In Sydney’s WestConnex project, for instance, the separation of stages required 5 km of redundant tunnelling to connect sections – work that could have been reduced to 1.5 km with a more unified strategy (Baxter-Crawford, 2024). These inefficiencies increase costs, prolong timelines, and exacerbate environmental impacts. 

Urban site investigations face similar challenges, where intrusive drilling is frequently repeated even when reliable data already exists. Studies indicate that up to 90% of these investigations in urban areas could be avoided if geotechnical information were shared in real time instead of being withheld until project completion (Baxter-Crawford, 2024). This fragmented approach to data sharing and risk management not only wastes resources but also diminishes project outcomes and public trust. 

The Case for a Centralised Authority 

A centralised authority to oversee transport mega-projects could eliminate many of these inefficiencies. Such an entity would standardise data collection and sharing, enabling projects to build on each other’s findings rather than starting from scratch. Sydney Metro has already demonstrated the value of this approach by making its geotechnical data available through platforms like MinView, allowing stakeholders to access critical information in real-time (Geoscience NSW, 2023). 

By fostering collaboration, a centralised authority could also support risk-sharing frameworks that encourage joint ventures to integrate efforts. For example, shared access tunnels, geological models, and design outputs could streamline workflows and reduce environmental impacts. With a centralised governance structure, transport projects would better align with sustainability goals while optimising time and resource use. 

Unlocking the Potential of 3D Geological Modelling 

While Building Information Modelling (BIM) is widely adopted, the integration of 3D geological models remains underutilised. These models consolidate borehole data, geological features, and mapping records into a dynamic resource that enhances planning, risk mitigation, and decision-making. For example, cities like London and Christchurch have developed geological digital twins, enabling seamless data integration that reduces costs and improves project outcomes (Leapfrog Works, 2018). 

In Australia, the city of Melbourne has begun to explore geological digital twins, but other cities, such as Sydney, are yet to fully embrace this technology. The inclusion of 3D geological models in transport planning would significantly reduce redundant drilling and allow for more precise project designs. International guidelines, such as those from ITA Working Group 22, advocate for separating factual geological data from interpretive models within BIM frameworks to streamline workflows and enhance usability (Karlovsek et al., 2022). By adopting these practices, Australia’s mega-projects could achieve greater efficiency and sustainability. 

A Vision for Sustainable Infrastructure 

There is an urgent need for systemic change in how transport mega-projects are delivered. A centralised authority could provide the leadership necessary to align data governance, risk management, and digital innovation, ensuring infrastructure serves current and future generations. This authority will further enhance efficiency and exemplify the engineering industry’s ability to lead in delivering transformative, sustainable mega-projects. By standardising data collection and integrating 3D modelling into national infrastructure planning, Australia can enhance efficiency, minimise resource waste, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable engineering practices. These steps are critical to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals while addressing urban growth and climate resilience (United Nations Development Programme, 2023). 

“This transformation requires collective effort. Industry professionals, governments, and clients must champion these initiatives by fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. By embracing data sharing, innovative risk frameworks, and cutting-edge technology, we can deliver transport systems that are not only efficient and resilient but also sustainable and future-ready,” Helen underlined.  

Driving Change Through Collaboration and Innovation 

The future of sustainable transport infrastructure lies in challenging traditional practices and adopting smarter, more integrated approaches. Establishing a centralised authority is not just a strategy for improving efficiency; it represents a vision for how Australia’s engineering community can lead in delivering sustainable mega-projects. 

By standardising data sharing, leveraging advanced 3D geological modelling, and fostering collaboration across disciplines, inefficiencies that hinder progress can be effectively addressed. This transformation goes beyond cost-cutting or meeting deadlines—it is about creating transport infrastructure that supports communities, safeguards the environment, and addresses future challenges. 

As a global leader in engineering, we are committed to influencing the future of sustainable transport by shaping innovative solutions that prioritise communities and challenge traditional approaches. Our leadership in the sector drives change through regenerative design, leveraging digital advancements, and influencing policy to create sustainable, people-centric systems. By harnessing our global reach and expertise, we are not just building infrastructure but leading toward a future where transport is efficient, resilient, and capable of sustaining communities for future generations. 

References 

Australian Standards. (2017). AS1726-2017: Geotechnical site investigations. Sydney, Australia: Standards Australia. 

Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS). (2017). Data transfer format for geotechnical and geoenvironmental data. Retrieved from https://www.ags.org.uk/ 

Baxter-Crawford, H. (2024). Discussion paper on implementation of an overarching authority to improve sustainability in transport mega-projects. Presented at ICTG 2024. Sydney, Australia: SMEC. 

Geoscience NSW. (2023). MinView: Geoscience Information Discovery Portal. Retrieved from https://minview.geoscience.nsw.gov.au/ 

Karlovsek, J., Babendererde, L., Angerer, W., Gall, V., Zammit, H., Aldrian, W., & Rives, M. (2022). BIM in Tunnelling – Guideline for Bored Tunnels, Volume 1. ITA-AITES. 

Leapfrog Works. (2018). Case study: Tunnel vision – Leapfrog Works gives confidence to critical decisions in Australia infrastructure projects. Golder Associates. Retrieved from https://www.leapfrog.com/ 

Och, D. (2019). To develop a national sustainable GIS geotechnical database to capture present data for the future. Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. 

United Nations Development Programme. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals 

Helen Baxter-Crawrord

Technical Principal – Engineering Geologist

Helen has over 20 years of experience in structural geology, with substantial experience in factual data collection, data review ensuring consistency, interpretation of material types (specific lithologies, stratigraphies and structural features) via multiple methods (core, mapping, borehole imaging, air photography for example) and geotechnical / structural / geological / rock mass / hydrogeological model development in two and three dimensions at project specific scales. Helen was awarded the 2023 Women in Tunnelling Achievement Award by the Australian Tunnelling Society and the 2022 Paper of the Year for the Australian Geomechanics Society on her paper titled “Lithological character and Structural Geology of the Cooks River area with focus on the M8 Tunnels.