Top 10: Australia's largest current infrastructure projects

Australian infrastructure is booming, with multibillion-dollar projects in progress across the country. Check out the top ten infrastructure projects currently boosting our economy, generating jobs, and improving access and livability for millions of Australians.

WestConnex is Australia’s largest current infrastructure project. This $16 billion venture comprises a 33km continuous motorway linking Western and Southwestern Sydney with the city, airport and port. WestConnex will enable motorists to bypass 52 sets of traffic lights between Beverly Hills and Parramatta. Due for completion in 2023, the project will generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Sydney Metro is Australia’s largest public transport project. The $12 billion development will deliver 31 metro stations and more than 66km of new rail, which will run under Sydney Harbour, through new underground city stations and out to Southwestern Sydney. The project will have generated more than 10,000 direct jobs by the time it wraps up in 2024.

This $11 billion project includes the construction of twin 9km rail tunnels from Melbourne’s west to southeast and five new underground stations, enabling an additional half a million passengers per week to use the rail system during peak periods. Due for completion in 2025, the venture will create 7,000 jobs across its nine-year lifespan.

A rail construction undertaking of epic proportions, this $9.3 billion project will see 1,700km of freight rail installed between Melbourne and Brisbane, via regional Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The rail line will allow freight to be transported from major cities in less than 24 hours. Divided into 13 individual projects, Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail will have generated 21,500 jobs by its 2026 end date.

The $8.5 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure project Queensland has ever seen. The venture will improve safety, flood resilience and capacity along the Bruce Highway, which stretches 1,677km between Brisbane and Cairns. Due for completion in 2028, the project will create 21,500 jobs across its 15-year lifespan.

Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel will deliver a 4km toll road linking the West Gate Freeway to the Port of Melbourne and CityLink. The $6.8 billion development will provide an essential alternate river crossing to the West Gate Bridge, removing thousands of trucks from residential streets and enabling faster and safer journeys. The project will create more than 500 construction jobs and is due for completion in 2024.

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The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail venture comprises a 10.2km rail line from Brisbane’s Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, including 5.9km of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD. By delivering a second river crossing, the project will unlock the current traffic bottleneck, enabling trains to run more frequently and improving urban access and quality of life. Cross River Rail is expected to generate 7,700 jobs and is due for completion in 2024.

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This $5.3 billion project will offer travellers a valuable alternative to the Sydney Airport, which is one of the world’s oldest airports. The Western Sydney Airport will operate curfew free, delivering international, domestic and freight services. At Australia’s first ‘smart’ airport, travellers will enjoy a digitally enabled, integrated transport journey. The airport is due to open in 2026 and is expected to support 28,000 jobs by 2031.

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The Melbourne Airport Rail Link will connect Tullamarine Airport to Melbourne’s CBD, enabling passengers to make the trip in under 30 minutes without having to change trains. Still in the planning and development phase, construction is due to start in 2022. The $5 billion project is expected to generate 8,000 construction jobs and wrap up in 2029.

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The $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan is a 10-year project comprising major infrastructure upgrades that will transform the region’s road and transport linkages. The initiative will boost the economy and livability of Western Sydney, relieving pressure on existing infrastructure and easing congestion. The project is due for completion around 2025 and expected to generate more than 4,000 jobs across its lifespan.

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