Project in Focus - The engineering behind the Sydney Metro West

The Sydney Metro West line marks a new major milestone in the rail project. 

The planning process is currently underway for the construction of nine new metro stations between Westmead and Hunter Street in the CBD, along with building the precincts around the stations. This brings great job opportunities for our talented pool of engineers.

This new 24-kilometre underground railway will connect Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, supporting employment growth and housing supply.  It will double the rail capacity of the two CBDs - with a target travel time of only 20 minutes.

Sydney’s first metro line, the Metro Northwest, launched successfully in May 2019 and played a highly impactful role in acquiring job opportunities in the engineering sector.  With the plans in motion for the next stage of this project, we will likely see continued job growth and opportunities which will assist in stimulating the economic recovery.  However, since the design packages are yet to be awarded, we’re still waiting on details surrounding job opportunities this time around. 

Putting engineers at the centre of a new generation of a world-class rail infrastructure 

The infrastructure of a railway is a complex and multi-disciplinary engineering system involving earthworks, tunnels, steelwork, and a track system to form the base upon which the railway runs. 

Qualified engineers are always in demand for roles involved in the rebuilding of existing commodities, engineering new substations to help power the train network, planning of station locations, and building. 

The Sydney Metro West alignment will include stops (including new and upgraded existing stations) at:

• Westmead 
• Parramatta
• Sydney Olympic Park
• North Strathfield
• Burwood North
• Five Dock
• The Bays
• Pyrmont
• Hunter Street in Sydney CBD.

The engineering sector carries out a pivotal role in the planning process for Sydney Metro West, which has been assessed as a staged infrastructure.  

Stage 1 was approved in March 2021 and includes:

• Construction and operation of new passenger rail infrastructure between Westmead and the central business district of Sydney, with;
  • Tunnels, stations (including surrounding areas) and associated rail facilities
  • Stabling and maintenance facilities (including associated underground and overground connections to tunnels)Construction and operation of new passenger rail infrastructure between Westmead and the central business district of Sydney, with;
• Modification of existing rail infrastructure (including stations and surrounding areas)
• Ancillary development.

The recent Scoping Report seeks approval to deliver the construction of the new stations, the station precincts and service facilities, the fit-out of the twin railway tunnels, and operation of the new underground metro line.

Key benefits of Sydney Metro West

The key benefits of this once-in-a-century project include:

• Transport benefits – increased transport network capacity means increased accessibility to key centres, increased reach and use of the public transport network, and improved travel times
• Productivity benefits – promoting job growth through job creation within the corridor and enhancing international competitiveness
• City-shaping – supporting planned growth and expanding 30-minute cities to deliver associated benefits to social equity, sustainability, and health.

In addition, the Sydney Metro West will be a fully accessible railway. Every metro station has lifts and level access between platforms and trains to assist those in wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, prams and strollers. 

In addition to reduced journey times, customers will also benefit from personal safety and security, connectivity to other modes of transport, and special events management. 

You can read more about the benefits  here. 

Delivery partners for the Sydney Metro West

Bechtel, a global leader in project management, engineering, procurement and construction, has been selected by the NSW Government as its Integration and Delivery Partner for the $18 billion Sydney Metro West project.  

Scott Osborne, Bechtel's General Manager for Asia Pacific, says he is  "looking forward to partnering with Sydney Metro, contractors, suppliers and the local workforce to deliver a world class rail line for the people of NSW."  Bechtel will manage the contractors for each package, providing systems, design, integration, and project management services. 

The first Central Tunnelling Package, worth $2 billion, has recently been awarded to Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd and Ferrovial Construction (Australia) Pty Ltd Joint Venture, to allow them to start tunnelling on the mega Metro West project.  The work will deliver 11 kilometres of twin metro rail tunnels between Sydney Olympic Park and The Bays. Mega tunnel boring machines will be in the ground before the end of 2022. 

The second major contract will detail the civil, structural, and building service design packages, and is expected to be awarded by the end of this year. 

Watch this space for updates.  

About CGC Recruitment

At CGC Recruitment, our team of experienced consultants cover all major engineering, infrastructure, and construction sectors. We help clients throughout Australia deliver their projects by attracting the best candidates and talent. This sector-driven focus gives CGC a strong understanding of the project lifecycles, government policy and economic considerations impacting our industry and the demand for skilled professionals.

CGC Recruitment helps complex, large-scale development projects – like The Sydney Metro West – to achieve the best outcomes through recruiting outstanding professionals. Our highly-motivated team of experienced consultants help clients and candidates connect with major projects by bringing in the best talent and opportunities.

If you’re looking for the right team member, get in touch with CGC, and one of our experienced consultants will be happy to help.

If you’re looking for your next career opportunity, you can register with CGC today. Simply complete our online registration, which takes just 30 seconds. Or if you’re looking for something in particular, contact us or search our jobs.

To be involved in projects or to attract candidates that are changing and improving Australia’s infrastructure, connect with CGC today.