Sydney Metro: Bankstown Station Upgrade & Southwest Rail Expansion

Sydney Metro Unveils Bankstown Station Transformation, Signaling Progress on Southwest Rail Expansion

Sydney Metro has offered a first glimpse into the extensive redevelopment of Bankstown Station, a project nearing 80% completion and marking a significant advancement in the Southwest Sydney transport network. This project, involving over 100 daily on-site workers, is a critical element of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line (M1 Line), transforming the century-old Bankstown Station into a modern interchange. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide “fast and reliable” metro services, extending beyond Sydenham to Bankstown next year. The ‘Who’ is Sydney Metro. The ‘What’ is the renovation of Bankstown Station. The ‘When’ is now, with completion targeted for next year. The ‘Where’ is Bankstown Station in Southwest Sydney. The ‘Why’ is to increase speed and reliability. The ‘How’ involves upgrades to infrastructure and smart signalling. This article delves into the specifics of the Bankstown Station transformation, highlighting key construction phases, technological implementations, and the expected benefits for commuters and the overall transport infrastructure.

Platform and Entrance Upgrades Pave the Way for Metro Services

Significant progress is evident in the final construction stages of the new Sydney Metro station entrance building, situated on the eastern side. Crews are currently finalizing the paving of the concourse area and the installation of 19 new Opal gates, facilitating seamless passenger access. Concurrently, work is advancing on the 170-meter-long metro platforms, with platform tiling nearing completion. Glazed balustrades, which provide both safety and visual separation, are also being installed along the platforms. Inside the station building, interior fit-out works are progressing in the ceilings and ‘back of house’ rooms, ensuring operational efficiency. Simultaneously, the Sydney Trains entrance building, positioned opposite the new metro entrance, is nearing completion, with ceiling installations underway and preparation for gate line installation soon to commence. These upgrades are essential to integrating the new metro services with the existing Sydney Trains network, providing a unified and modern passenger experience.

Enhancing Connectivity: The New Pedestrian Plaza

A significant addition to the station precinct is the construction of a 90-meter-long pedestrian plaza. This new public space, designed to enhance connectivity between the northern and southern areas of Bankstown, will feature retail outlets and dining establishments, contributing to the vibrancy of the area. Earthworks are underway to level the corridor area, preparing it for landscaping, including the planting of trees. This initiative aims not only to improve pedestrian flow but also to create an attractive public space, fostering community engagement. This project is another feature that supports the overall goal of integrating the new metro station with its surrounding environment.

Testing and Commissioning: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Operations

Simultaneously, site works are progressing across all ten Southwest stations. A critical aspect of the project involves the energisation of equipment supporting the testing and commissioning of critical communication subsystems. These subsystems encompass vital components like public address (PA) and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, which ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency. Train testing is also underway, with the crucial “kinematic envelope test” being conducted to confirm adequate clearance between the train and surrounding infrastructure, including station platforms. To date, over 700 kilometers of testing have been completed along different sections of the Southwest line, at speeds ranging from 5 to 25 kilometers per hour. This rigorous testing process is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the new metro services before they are opened to the public.

Smart Signalling and Driverless Operations: The Future of Sydney’s Metro System

The coming weeks will mark the commencement of the next phase of testing, focusing on the advanced smart signalling system. This system is the cornerstone of the fully driverless metro services planned for the network. A spokesperson for Sydney Metro emphasized the significance of this technology, stating that it will enable greater efficiency and reliability in service delivery. This transition to driverless technology represents a significant advancement for Sydney’s public transport, offering a glimpse into the future of urban mobility. The success of this signalling system is crucial for the overall project.

Conclusion

The transformation of Bankstown Station, as part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, represents a critical step towards enhancing public transport infrastructure in Southwest Sydney. The ongoing construction, platform upgrades, and the introduction of a new pedestrian plaza demonstrate a comprehensive approach to improving passenger experience and connectivity. The rigorous testing procedures and the forthcoming implementation of advanced smart signalling are crucial for ensuring safety and operational efficiency, paving the way for driverless metro services. This project’s completion will significantly impact the industry, offering enhanced transport capacity and convenience. The project will not only benefit commuters but also contribute to urban development by fostering economic growth in the surrounding areas. As the final section of the M1 line opens next year, Sydney will have a 66-kilometer fast and reliable metro network. The integration of the new metro services with the existing Sydney Trains network provides a seamless transition for passengers, streamlining transport across the region.