Arabic version: امتداد مترو جنوب غرب سيدني بانتظار الموافقة النهائية للسلامة

According to The Guardian, Sydney’s long-awaited southwest metro extension is nearing opening, though a final approval from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator is still required. Project director Alia Karaman said she had submitted the final piece of safety data, while New South Wales transport minister John Graham said the launch was a matter of weeks, not months.

The extension replaces the former T3 heavy rail line, which stopped operating in September 2024 for conversion to driverless rapid transit. The closure had originally been estimated at 12 months, but adapting stations on the 130-year-old route proved difficult. Work included mechanical gap-fillers for curved platforms and measures to prevent ibis from triggering the new intrusion detection system.

At four stations, particularly wide platform gaps mean some train doors will remain closed while reliability data on the gap-fillers is gathered. Once services begin, trains are expected to travel from Bankstown to Sydenham in 21 minutes before continuing onto the city metro. For some commuters, the change is expected to substantially reduce journeys now reliant on replacement buses.

The project is also linked to debate over housing development near stations. State transport-oriented development zones permit six- or seven-storey apartment blocks within 400 metres of stations, while Inner West council has proposed taller development in parts of Dulwich Hill and Marrickville. Supporters cite access, employment and prosperity, while residents including Heather Davie have raised concerns about demolitions, comfort and the suitability of new housing for families.