The first tracks have been laid on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, the public transport spine 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.
“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,” said Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Catherine King.
Despite the progress, the Metro will not open in line with the new airport. First trains will run some six months later.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's 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.