Malcolm Lye introduced guest speaker Dr David Coker from Sydney Metro. Dr Coker is a Civil Engineer who has worked in Sydney, Singapore and the UK and is currently the Delivery Director for the Pitt Street Integrated System of Sydney Metro.
Dr Coker spoke about the various Sydney Metro projects including the NorWest project from Tallawong to Chatswood which will open late 2019 and the next stage of Chatswood ˃ City ˃ Bankstown line linking to the SW ˃ city ˃ NW extension opening in 2024. Also in the pipeline is a CBD ˃ Parramatta project which is totally underground.
The concept of the metro is to have a frequent rail service with no timetable, stopping at all stations and with major interchanges. The single deck trains will ensure quick loading and unloading and will be fully automated, without drivers, and able to cope with all mobility needs. The aim is to have these trains running every 10 mins all day and every 4 mins during peak hours. All stations will have the safety feature of screen doors along the platforms. Some stations have already been completed, as have tracks and overhead wiring. New signalling and control systems have been installed. Trains are currently undergoing testing on the new lines. Central station is undergoing a major renewal as it is a major interchange, at the same time as maintaining its heritage status.
Chatswood metro station is being built on the corner of Mowbray Rd & Pacific Highway. Crows Nest station is also in the process of being built and there is a development proposal under discussion for the space above the station. The metro station at North Sydney is being built on the corner of Berry & Miller Streets, with a 2nd entrance from McLaren Street. This station will not be connected to the current North Sydney Station. The tunnel boring machines are at work for the tunnels, and the spoil from the boring machines for the tunneling under the harbour will be removed by barge.
A proposed metro line from the new airport in Western Sydney is planned to be opened concurrently with the airport in 2026.The plan is to build an “Aerotropolis”, a town centre adjacent to the new airport which will attract new business and residents.
Peter Grinter thanked David for his presentation. It is a bold program and will be interesting to see it come to fruition within the next 10 years.