The NSW Government has confirmed a $12 billion commitment to both phases of the Sydney Metro project in its latest budget.
Both stages of the project, Sydney Metro City & Southwest and Sydney Metro Northwest, are now “fully funded” says the government.
The announcement coincides with the handover of the tunnels for the Sydney Metro Northwest project. Track laying will now begin – 10 months ahead of schedule.
Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement: “The budget will continue the government’s record commitments to public transport with not only $1.3 billion in 2016-17 to continue work on the Metro Northwest, but also $1.4 billion in 2016-17 to continue the Metro under the Harbour, through the CBD and on to Bankstown.”
The 2016-17 funding programme for Sydney Metro Northwest, which is expected to open in 2019, includes the track laying, station construction, rolling stock and the construction of the skytrain section of the route.
During the same period, money is being made available to begin the tendering process for the twin-bore tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham and preparatory works for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest phase.