All tracks for the Airport Metro between St Marys and Bradfield have been laid, but fears remain about ongoing delays to the project.
The Metro will not open in line with the new airport’s opening next month, with some fears it may not be operational until early 2028.
But there is progress to celebrate.
The final piece of track on the new Metro line was laid at St Marys Station recently, which is undergoing its biggest transformation since the railway station opened there in 1862.
A total of 92 kilometres of Australian-made steel weighing 6,408 tonnes has been laid by 450 workers over the past 15 months.
More than 76,000 track sleepers have been installed.
The focus of work will now turn to fitting out tunnels and viaducts ahead of introducing power and testing trains along the 23km line.
Construction across the six stations is powering ahead, with all station platforms now complete, and more than half of the 40 escalators installed.
“The completion of tracks is a big milestone towards opening this world-class metro line that will not only deliver passengers to the airport but deliver opportunity to western Sydney as our third major CBD grows up around it,” Transport Minister John Graham said.
“The opening of the airport is being supported by new bus services connecting to the precinct from Penrith, Liverpool, Mount Druitt, Campbelltown and Leppington. These are important western Sydney corridors that were forgotten by the former government as they concentrated on multi-billion motorways.”
Work is underway to install 108 platform screen doors to safely separate passengers from the rail corridor.
St Marys will become a major transport hub connecting metro, suburban rail and bus services.
A fleet of 12 new metro trains has been ordered, with the first train expected to be delivered to site by the end of June.
Free public transport will connect to the airport before then, with buses running between metro stops along the route between before any flights land.
Free airport buses will run every 30 minutes between 4.30am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 4.30am to 1am Friday and Saturday, with an expected journey time of about 30 minutes in normal traffic.
“Completing the track for the Western Sydney Airport Metro line represents a huge milestone for our community as we work to connect St Marys with the brand-new international airport and Bradfield City,” Deputy Premier and Londonderry MP Prue Car said.
“St Marys’ revitalised station will be a gateway to NSW for international and domestic travellers, improving transport connections across Western Sydney and the rest of the city.”
Troy Dodds
Troy 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.
