Project Sydney: drilling begins for Sydney’s Metro West

DRILLING has begun for Sydney’s Metro West, with the government declaring the major rail link is no “pie in the sky” project.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the exploration drilling was a sign they were getting on with the job. Picture: AAP Image/Jeremy Ng

DRILLING has begun for Sydney’s Metro West, with the government declaring the major rail link is no “pie in the sky” project.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal work has started at about 40 locations between Westmead and the CBD to investigate the sites for tunnelling for the project, which aims to connect the city with Parramatta in just 20 minutes.

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As pressure mounts on the government to commit to a timeline and funding for the next major rail project, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the exploration drilling was a sign they were getting on with the job.

Sydney Metro West geotechnical engineer Stephanie Liew pictured with soil samples at a drilling site in Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: Toby Zerna

“This isn’t just pie in the sky stuff, we are seriously cracking on with the job,” he said.

“The Sydney Metro West project will redefine how we get around Sydney and will double the rail capacity between the two city centres.”

The government needs to investigate the depth of the city’s famous Hawkesbury sandstone as it prepares for tunnelling.

Solid funding and a timeline are key items on The Daily Telegraph’s Project Sydney action plan, with both still required. Crucially, so is a commitment to extend the links to Liverpool, Blacktown and Penrith.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the geotech testing was the next crucial step in delivering the project.

Labor leader Luke Foley has insisted he would build the Metro West “years before” the Liberals because the party will abandon the northern beaches mega tunnel.

He also left options open to extend the line to Liverpool.

The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that future links were crucial to turning around the area’s fortunes.

“There’s no doubt that Liverpool has been neglected when it comes to public transport and we’ll be looking at all options if we are elected by the people of NSW,” Mr Foley said.