The first four of 17 massive concrete headstocks, each weighing more than a full Boeing 737, have been installed at Mascot as part of the NSW Government’s $2.6 billion Sydney Gateway project.
The headstocks each stand at more than six metres tall and will support an 800-metre flyover road, connecting motorists to Sydney Airport with a toll-free connection.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was yet another milestone in the NSW Government’s $110 billion infrastructure pipeline.
“This is a transformative project that will get people to and from Sydney Airport faster, supporting more than 4000 construction and manufacturing jobs, while modernising our road network,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is yet another example of the NSW Government’s decade of delivery, which has transformed Greater Sydney and NSW while vastly improving quality of life for residents and businesses.
“It is because of our strong economic management that we are able to continue to deliver both the mega projects and the smaller scale community projects that make such a big difference to how people live their lives each day.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said 17 headstocks weighing more than 90 tonnes each would be installed to support the flyover road.
“Businesses in Western Sydney and Regional NSW have been integral to this project, with the headstocks manufactured in Picton using steel made in Western Sydney, all to support 34-metre long steel and concrete girders made in Maitland,” Mr Stokes said.
“Sydney Gateway is great news for local residents also, giving them an additional three kilometres of new pedestrian and cycle paths along the Alexandra Canal.
“Over the past decade, NSW has gone from being laggards to leaders on infrastructure and Sydney Gateway is yet another example of how we’re delivering a brighter future for NSW families.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said Sydney Gateway will have the capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles daily and slash travel times to and from the airport when it opens to traffic at the end of 2024.
“One of the key features of Sydney Gateway is the landmark Australian steel arch bridge connecting to the International Terminal, that will be wider than the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Mrs Ward said.
“This project will help slash travel times from Parramatta to Sydney Airport by up to 40 minutes in the morning peak, bypassing 26 sets of traffic lights.
“In addition to the travel time savings, the Sydney Gateway will also deliver stunning Indigenous artwork and designs on the flyover, walls, underpass and paths making for an iconic entrance to Australia’s largest airport for travellers and motorists.”
For more information visit nswroads.work/sydneygateway