Western Sydney Airport Metro receives planning approval

Artist's impression of Aerotropolis Station — Artist’s impression of Aerotropolis Station

The New South Wales Government has granted planning approvals for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, meaning major constructions on the project can commence soon.

The new milestone was achieved following community consultation, which resulted in changes to the initial plan, including measures to reduce parking impacts on local communities and the relocation of a temporary bus interchange.

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will deliver about 23 kilometres of rail between St Marys Station and the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis in Bringelly.

Six stations are proposed to be built along the alignment including two stations at Western Sydney International airport, one at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and one at St Marys – from where customers will be able to connect to the existing Sydney Trains suburban T1 Western Line.

Early works started on the project in December 2020. Major work will start in the coming months, with the tunnelling contract expected to be awarded by the end of the year and tunnel boring machines in the ground by the end of 2023.

Three consortia have already been shortlisted for the tunnelling package, which will include creating 10 kilometres of twin metro railway tunnels and the associated excavation of stations along the route.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the approvals marked 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 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,” Minister 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, significantly reducing local traffic.

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.

Commonwealth Government approvals for Sydney Metro’s rail development work within the boundary of Western Sydney International Airport are expected in the coming months.