Tender for new active transport link in Sydney's southwest released to market

Sydney Metro is not just delivering a better, faster, and more reliable transport infrastructure, but it will also deliver a city-shaping active transport link that will connect riders and walkers from Bankstown all the way to the GreenWay and Sydenham Metro Station.

To be built as part of Southwest Metro, the 13.8-kilometre walking, running and bike path – dubbed the ‘MetroWay’ during design and delivery – will run parallel to the Southwest Metro corridor, linking the cafes and breweries of Marrickville through to the restaurants of Campsie and Bankstown.

At Dulwich Hill, the MetroWay will intersect with the GreenWay, providing a direct connection to the 6-kilometre park and pathways that span from the Cooks River up to the Bay Run at Iron Cove.

“When we say the metro will be city shaping this is exactly what we mean. As we rebuild the stations along the way we’re creating new community hubs like the Dulwich Hill Plaza and new connections like the MetroWay.

“Combining the MetroWay with the GreenWay will completely unlock the South West and the Inner West for runners, walkers and cyclists.

“This mega project is about so much more than just building a metro – it’s about housing uplift, new public spaces and ways of getting active.

“The Inner West has long been known for its pub and cafe scene, now with the GreenWay and the MetroWay it will also be loved for its active outdoor options,” Minister for Transport John Graham said.

“I am excited to see the MetroWay start to take shape as a bonus outcome being delivered as part of the Southwest Metro project. This new link is a fantastic initiative which is going to give people living in the area more opportunities to cycle and walk safely as they explore our city.

“MetroWay is a great use of public space that will help bring even more energy to this part of Sydney by better connecting neighbourhoods, parks and local shops,” Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said.

South West Active Transport Link - MetroWay map (source: Sydney Metro)

The recently opened Dulwich Hill Station plaza is one of the highlights along the MetroWay alignment. Also delivered as part of the Southwest Metro project, this 1,200-SQM plaza will help strengthen connections between bus services in the nearby village centre, Dulwich Hill Light Rail and the metro station.

The proposed MetroWay will include trees, lighting, clear wayfinding and join to more than 350 bike parking spaces at southwest stations – encouraging people to leave the car at home.

The new active transport link will connect new metro stations with existing and planned cycling networks, and it will be designed for people of all ages and riding abilities.

The tender for the South West Active Transport Link project has been released to market and the contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year. MetroWay is due for completion by the end of 2028.

Sydney Metro will work with local Councils on the design, delivery as well as naming the new greenway and management of the route.

“The absolute success of our new GreenWay shows us how important it is to build active transport links alongside new public transport. That’s why we are building the MetroWay, a safe continuous pathway from Bankstown right through to the Iron Cove, connecting to the GreenWay and the Bay Run. This is about giving locals real options to walk, ride, and stay active, making our neighbourhoods better connected and easier to get around.

“The Dulwich Hill Plaza is a new space for our community to gather, have a coffee and connect to transport. This is a welcoming public space that reflects the character of the Inner West and supports the local shops and small businesses that make this area such a great part of our community,” Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said.

About 80 per cent of overall construction of Southwest Metro Conversion and stations is now done. Currently, high-speed testing ramping up with more than 500 kilometres of water loaded testing successfully completed and in the coming months, four more trains will join the two trains already involved in testing.

Once Southwest Metro is fully complete, passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable and more frequent services. This includes:

• Dulwich Hill to Central – 12 minutes (saving 4 minutes)
• Dulwich Hill to Chatswood – 27 minutes (saving 22 minutes)
• Marrickville to Gadigal – 12 minutes (saving 12 minutes)
• Bankstown to Central – 28 minutes (saving six minutes)
• Campsie to Macquarie University – 44 minutes (saving 17 minutes)

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that when complete will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“The 13.8-kilometre MetroWay which runs parallel to the Southwest Metro will be a real game changer. This walking, running and bike path will make it easier for people to move between suburbs, stay fit and experience the sights and sounds of our vibrant communities.

“I would like to extend to the community my sincere thanks for their patience and understanding during this important work,” Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Sydney Metro; Roads & Infrastructure Australia