The NSW Government has approved planning for Western Sydney Airport Metro Rail Line, with major construction to begin soon.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the approvals are a major step forward for the new Metro rail line, which will transform the way western Sydney connects to the rest of the city.
The Federal and NSW governments are jointly delivering the 23km metro railway and six stations between St Marys and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, including two stations at the airport.
“The Morrison Government is providing a once-in-a-generation level of funding in a range of major infrastructure projects across western Sydney, to transform the region and foster the creation of Australia’s future industries,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This includes working closely with the NSW Government to deliver this new multi-billion dollar Sydney Metro line, which will provide a critical link to the new Western Sydney International (NancyBird Walton) Airport and improve connectivity for local residents.”
Mr Fletcher said that, once operational, the new Metro is expected to transport up to 7,740 passengers each hour in each direction, whilst also taking about 110,000 vehicles off local roads every day ─ which will significantly reduce local traffic.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, said the 23km driverless metro will service western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, delivering major benefits for the region.
“This city-shaping infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the construction of Sydney’s newest Metro rail line expected to support around 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices,” Mr Constance said.
“Community feedback has helped shape the Metro project, including introducing measures to further reduce parking impacts on local communities and the relocation of a temporary bus interchange.”
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the project will provide the backbone for further development of the Western Parkland City.
“It will take just five minutes to travel from the airport to the Aerotropolis, about 15 minutes from the airport to St Marys and 20 minutes from the Aerotopolis to St Marys ─ where customers can connect to the rest of Sydney’s rail network,” Mr Ayres said.
“The initial operating capacity will see trains travelling in both directions every five minutes during peak periods, so customers won’t need a timetable – they’ll just be able to turn up and go.”
Early works started on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport in December 2020.
Major work will begin in late 2021, with the tunnelling contract awarded at the end of the year and tunnel boring machines in the ground by the end of 2023.
Commonwealth Government approvals for Sydney Metro’s rail development work within the boundary of Western Sydney International Airport are expected in late 2021.
