Full steam ahead for North West Rail Link

It's full steam ahead on the North West Rail Link, which will be the biggest expansion to Sydney’s rail system since the 1930s.

The pre-construction process has started, with geotechnical drilling taking place along the proposed route between Epping and Rouse Hill.

These investigations will give engineers more information when it comes time to start digging the rail tunnels, which will be Australia’s longest rail tunnels at 15.5km.

There are eight stations proposed along the 23km new North West Rail Link - at Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Hills Centre, Norwest, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Cudgegong Rd.

The North West Rail Link will include major park and ride areas with provision for 4,000 cars.

This year’s State Budget invests $314 million for the North West Rail Link with a provisional allocation of $2.5 billion over the next four years.