Passengers using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will have the smoothest of transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.
The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network - twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.
At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city's newest airport.
Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.
The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.
The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.
A 60-tonne crane is being used to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.
The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.
Construction progress on Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:
- 80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place
- The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street
- Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead
- 90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West
The $10.5 billion Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25 billion.
Quotes attributable to Premier of NSW Chris Minns:
"Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport is taking shape, and it will be a welcome addition to what will be a thriving new city around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
"Having the right transport infrastructure in place for this new airport will connect people with jobs, leisure, and enable businesses to thrive.
"We're investing in infrastructure like Metro to ensure essential services are up and running when this brand-new city comes to life."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Western Sydney International will be Australia's most technologically advanced airport, so it's apt that it will be served by a fast, frequent and high-tech driverless Metro.
"This milestone is an exciting step toward delivering the new metro connection that will serve as a key gateway for airport passengers, workers and residents across Greater Western Sydney.
"Sydney's new airport has been talked about for decades, and soon it will be a reality. Sydney's new airport will have room to expand as demand for flights grows over the coming decades. This metro will play an important role in linking growing suburbs to their new airport.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:
"The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city's new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.
"Bradfield and the airport precinct will grow rapidly around this world-class infrastructure, providing the employment growth close to home that the millions of people in Western Sydney deserve."
"I want to thank the 3000 workers currently on site across this project."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:
"The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering incredible investments in roads and rail across our region, that will change the way workers and passengers can travel to the Airport and surrounds.
"It's an exciting time for south west Sydney, as we look forward to a new airport and a fantastic new metro service.
Quotes attributable to State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:
"Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City Centre will reshape our region - bringing new jobs, new industries, and new opportunities closer to home. It's great to see the metro line that will connect it all coming to life.
"As one of the fastest-growing parts of the state, Greater Western Sydney deserves world-class infrastructure that supports local jobs, new housing and better connections for our communities."
