Infrastructure Australia, the nation's independent infrastructure advisor, has added Sydney Metro City & Southwest to the Infrastructure Priority List as a High Priority project.

The Sydney Metro project will deliver 30.5 kilometres of metro rail between Chatswood and Bankstown, including a new Sydney Harbour Tunnel Crossing. It will increase rail capacity through the Sydney CBD, improve reliability and resilience of the wider transport network, and reshape the urban profile of Sydney.

“Sydney Metro City & Southwest is an important step in ensuring that Sydney remains a competitive, global city and an attractive place to live and work,” Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive, Philip Davies said.

“The strategic merit of this project lies not just in its ability to increase Sydney's productivity and rail network capacity but its potential to reshape the urban profile of the city.

“The project will enable higher density residential development along the rail corridor; providing more direct and rapid connections between where people live and work.

“The positive assessment of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest business case reflects that this is a sound investment for Sydney—an investment that will enhance the productivity and connectivity of a city that accounts for one-fifth of Australia's economic output”, Mr Davies said.

The business case evaluation summary for Sydney Metro City & Southwest, and the updated Infrastructure Priority List are now available at www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au.