A five week construction program has kicked off to complete more than 335 “critical tasks” inside the Southwest rail corridor, bringing the Southwest Metro a major step closer to completion.  

Starting from last Saturday April 11 and continuing to May 1, on-track testing will be paused on the Bankstown extension.  

This is to provide a safe window for hundreds of crew members to complete a significant program of work, including installing 1140 fixed gap fillers across 10 upgraded station platforms.  

The gap fillers add to 170 mechanical gap fillers that were previously installed. They will ensure no gap between trains and the curved platforms – a key safety feature for passengers on the new line.  

Other works include overhead wiring maintenance, minor bridge works, guardrail upgrades, ballast replacement and earthworks.   

Station works, including tiling, landscaping, painting and concourse works, will also be carried out. 

“The intensive program of work is critical to be able to progress to the next stage of the Southwest project – trial running,” said the New South Wales Government.  

“When finished, it will bring conversion works across the southwest line to more than 85 per cent complete.”