Sydney Metro Central Station Upgrade: Project Profile

This project profile details the large-scale engineering works undertaken to integrate the new Sydney Metro City & Southwest line into Australia’s busiest railway station. The project involved constructing new metro platforms 27 metres beneath the existing, heritage-listed Central Station, creating a world-class, multimodal transport interchange through complex excavation, structural enhancement, and advanced project management.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project was the top-down excavation of a new station box directly beneath existing intercity platforms 13 and 14. This required the removal of over 373,000 tonnes of sandstone while maintaining the structural integrity of the active station above. The new metro platforms are located 27 metres below ground, connected to the surface via 42 new escalators, including several stretching 95 metres in length.

A key passenger-focused element is the 80-metre-long, 19-metre-wide Central Walk underground concourse. This structure directly links metro services with suburban rail, intercity trains, light rail, and buses, dramatically improving passenger flow and reducing interchange times. To ensure structural stability during this complex brownfield construction, a sophisticated Monitoring Information Management System (MIMS) provided real-time geotechnical data, allowing for proactive adjustments and risk mitigation. Above ground, the project includes a new 16-metre-high Northern Concourse canopy, which improves weather protection and allows natural light to penetrate deep into the station.

Key Takeaways

• Multimodal Integration: The project successfully transforms Central Station into a seamless interchange, connecting multiple transport modes through intuitive, accessible, and high-capacity pedestrian links like the Central Walk.
• Brownfield Engineering Excellence: It serves as a global benchmark for integrating modern metro infrastructure within a century-old, operational heritage railway station, showcasing advanced excavation and structural monitoring techniques.
• Enhanced Passenger Experience: The design prioritizes passenger flow, accessibility, and connectivity, significantly upgrading the commuter experience through improved access points, reduced congestion, and modern station amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station open?

The new Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station became operational with the opening of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line in 2024. The primary construction of the platforms and station box was completed in February 2022.

Who built the new Sydney Metro Central Station?

The design and construction of the Sydney Metro Central Station upgrade were led by international engineering company Laing O’Rourke. Key partners included Woods Bagot and John McAslan + Partners for architectural design, and a joint venture of Aurecon, GHD, and Atkins for engineering services.