Construction is set to start on the Western Sydney Airport Metro soon, a project that is expected to help ease traffic congestion in the western suburbs.
MAJOR construction is set to begin on the Western Sydney Airport Metro soon, after the New South Wales government granted approval.
Federal urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher said the approvals were a major step forward for the new Metro rail line.
“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,” 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 (Nancy- Bird Walton) Airport and improve connectivity for local residents.”
Once operational, the new Metro is expected to transport up to 7,740 passengers each hour in each direction, while also taking about 110,000 vehicles off local roads every day.
NSW transport minister Andrew Constance said the 23-kilometre driverless metro would service western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, delivering major benefits.
“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,” 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 western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the project would 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,” Ayres said.
Early works started on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport in December 2020.
Commonwealth approvals for Sydney Metro’s rail development work within the boundary of Western Sydney International Airport are expected in coming months.