New South Wales is currently in the middle of an infrastructure boom. Projects monitored by both Infrastructure NSW and Infrastructure Australia are set to transform the State with new services, facilities and tourism opportunities. Here’s a roundup of the major infrastructure projects that are currently being planned, developed and constructed in NSW.
Sydney’s metro line: The largest transport project in Australia, by 2024 the Sydney metro will carry tens of thousands of passengers every hour. The first stage of the metro will open in May and stretch from Rouse Hill to Chatswood. The second stage will trave from Sydenham to Bankstown via the CBD and will begin construction soon. This project is unique because of the feats of engineering involved. Tunnels must be created underneath Sydney’s bustling CBD and through the sediment and rock that sits under Sydney Harbour. The entire project is expected to be completed within the next decade.
Clarence Correctional Centre: Located near Grafton, this new correctional facility will incorporate high tech security and house 1,700 inmates. The facility is expected to be completed in 2020, with approximately 1,100 people to be involved in its construction through to completion.
The Sydney Modern Project: Including the expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW, the Sydney Modern Project will host major art exhibitions while remaining linked to the much-loved historical building. Infrastructure NSW has been charged with delivering this culturally important project and has currently shortlisted three firms to deliver the project and put in place a competitive tender process. Once that process is completed, construction will commence and the successful firms will be searching for expertise to be involved.
M4 Motorway upgrade: Stretching from Parramatta to Lapstone, the M4 Motorway upgrade will address significant congestion and travel delays through Greater Western Sydney. The project will include significant engineering innovations including Intelligent Transport Systems and new communications systems. It is estimated that the project will be completed within the next five years.
Western Sydney Airport: With demand for air traffic in Sydney forecast to double in the next 20 years, Western Sydney Airport is set to be the jewel in NSW’s tourism crown. It will not only address capacity issues but will open up opportunities for businesses and tourism in Western Sydney. The facility will incorporate passenger and freight services while taking into account environmental and aviation requirements. Development and construction of the airport will continue for the next decade.
Inland Rail: by 2050 Eastern Australia will be reliant on freight transport to move over 1.1 million containers between Melbourne and Brisbane via inland NSW. The Inland Rail project will include over 1,700km of freight rail line, some of which will be new construction while some sections will convert narrow gauge to dual gauge lines. Engineers will be in high demand throughout the development to deliver the specific requirements of the inland rail that includes transit from Melbourne to Brisbane in less than 24 hours with a benchmark train with a 21-tonne axle load, travelling at 115 km/h double-stacked. This ambitious project is expected to be delivered over the next decade.
The Northern Road upgrade: Upgrading 35 km of road in Northern Sydney is currently underway to increase capacity. The Northern Road upgrade will also incorporate additional lanes, intersection improvements and provide dedicated bus lanes. It’s an important part of other infrastructure projects like the construction of Western Sydney Airport. This project is underway and expected to be completed by 2022.
Each of these projects provides opportunities for civil, construction and electrical engineers. If you’d like to stay in touch with the best engineering roles in NSW get in touch.
