A train has entered the new Sydney Metro underground for the first time to test the first two kilometres of tunnels between the new Bella Vista and Norwest stations.
Onboard systems, signalling, braking and acceleration at different speeds were all tested in the tunnel, with testing to progressively increase up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Major construction work has reached ground level at the Hills Showground, Norwest and Castle Hill stations, after starting 25 metres below ground.
Almost 25,000 tonnes of concrete and 1200 tonnes of reinforced steel has been used to build the new metro platforms and station concourse area at Hills Showground. The next step is to install a canopy, which has had its design inspired by the local blue gum leaf, over the 600-space carpark.
The Sydney Metro is set to open in the city’s north west in the second quarter of 2019 and will provide 13 new metro stations, 4000 commuter car parks and 36 kilometres of new rail.
The NSW Government aims to extend metro rail into the Sydney CBD and Bankstown in 2024, providing 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometres railway.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she is very excited to see the progress on Sydney’s new metro railway.
“As part of our plan to improve transport, metro rail will give people more choice on how they get around Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the much anticipated tunnel test was a resounding success.
“Sydney’s new metro train passed this crucial milestone with flying colours,” Mr Constance said.
“Over the coming months it will be tested beyond Norwest through the full length of the new tunnels.”
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