Tracks on the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line between Westmead and Hunter Street will soon begin to be laid at Sydney Olympic Park, marking a huge milestone in the project that is going to transform the way people move between the city and Parramatta.
5,316 tonnes of rail will progressively be lowered 27 metres down into the future Sydney Olympic Park Metro station box, with the project moving into the fit-out stage after tunnelling was completed earlier this year.
A precision lifting process is required to manoeuvre the 4,376 individual pieces of steel, each 20 metres in length, from the surface to the floor of the station box.
From there 20 skilled workers will spend the next three months welding the rail together which will progressively be moved into the tunnels using a specialised road-rail vehicle excavator. Work on the structural track base slab will commence after this and be followed by the electrical and mechanical fit-out by the end of the year.
Across the entire project, 60 kilometres of track will be installed within the twin tunnels and the Clyde Stabling and Maintenance Facility featuring four crossovers, one junction, and one turnback that will support the seamless operation of Sydney Metro West.
Sydney Metro West is due for completion in 2032.
“When Sydney Metro West is up and running it will transform the way people move between Parramatta and the city,” said Premier Chris Minns.
“This line will open connections between parts of the city like never before, creating new destinations across the city and revitalising suburbs which have been difficult to navigate with public transport.
“Along with the huge transport boost, the rezonings around the Metro West stations including The Bays, Sydney Olympic Park and Burwood North will deliver tens of thousands of new homes within walking distance of this reliable, fast and easy to use public transport.”
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said fast, affordable public transport will deliver long-term cost-of-living relief.
“For too long western Sydney communities took on the lion’s share of housing development without the much-needed local infrastructure to accompany it,” she said.
“Metro West will bring transport, jobs, and services closer to where people live, whilst reducing congestion on our roads for Western Sydney residents and businesses who need to drive.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.