Sydney metro project costs increase by $566 million

The cost of two major metro rail projects in Sydney is rising by more than half a billion dollars. The New South Wales government says the additional expenses will help reduce safety risks. Documents show tunneling costs on the Metro West line, which connects Parramatta to Sydney's central business district, have increased by $353 million. This raises the total to $2.7 billion. Metro West is expected to be completed by 2032, two years later than previously planned. Another contract involving 2.5 kilometers of tunnels under Pyrmont and the CBD has gone up by $90 million, now totaling $1.88 billion. This part of the project is the largest in Sydney's metro system and also set to finish in 2032. The estimated cost for the metro line to Western Sydney International Airport has also risen. Tunneling and excavation expenses increased by $123 million, bringing it to $2.14 billion. Coalition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward expressed concern about funding a new station at Rosehill, suggesting cuts to essential transport infrastructure may be necessary. Sydney Metro officials explained that the increases mainly cover safety measures, like more cross passages in the tunnels. Transport Minister John Graham emphasized the importance of these adjustments for emergency services. He noted that previous governments had seen larger budget overruns. Budget estimates suggest that Metro West may exceed its $25.3 billion budget. However, officials believe both the Metro West and airport line projects are currently on track within their financial limits. The possibility of a new station at Rosehill depends on a vote by members of the Australian Turf Club on April 3. The estimated cost for this station could range from $1.5 billion to $2 billion. The increasing costs and construction pressures have led the Minns government to invest an extra $1.1 billion to upgrade another rail line. Overall, the entire M1 line's expenses have nearly doubled from initial forecasts to around $21.6 billion.