The first tracks have been laid on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport metro line, the public transport connection linking the new airport and the fast-growing area around it.
More than 6,400 tonnes of Australian-made rail steel will be laid along the 23-kilometre line between St Marys and Bradfield between now and mid-2026.
In total, 106.8 kilometres of rail line and 76,285 sleepers will be installed, including putting tracks down at the stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills.
The first portion of track was installed at Luddenham, north of a new metro rail bridge over the future M12 motorway.
Track laying is now progressing north towards St Marys.
Work to build the six stations for the new line is in full swing, while plans detailing the design for each station are now finalised.
Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is part of an integrated transport plan that includes major infrastructure investment in surrounding roads.
In January, the New South Wales and federal governments committed $1 billion in joint funding to upgrade Fifteenth Avenue – a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the Western Sydney International Airport, unlocking jobs and housing in key growth areas.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said: “Every great airport needs a frequent and efficient rail link, and that’s what the Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering in Western Sydney.
“Once this track is laid and trains are running, this rail link will connect passengers from the new airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes.
“The Albanese Government has also invested $1 billion to start securing rail corridors in south west Sydney. These corridors will mean this Metro or the Sydney Trains network can be extended, connecting the airport and these growing parts of Sydney to the rest of the city.”
