Webuild recognised for its role in Sydney Metro Northwest Skytrain project

Webuild, long-standing sponsor of ICCIAUS and global leader in large-scale infrastructure, has been recognised for its contribution to one of Australia’s most iconic and innovative public transport developments: the Sydney Metro Northwest Skytrain, a landmark project that has reshaped mobility in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions.

Delivered as part of the broader Sydney Metro, the largest public transport infrastructure program in Australia, the Skytrain is a key element in the transformation of urban mobility across Greater Sydney. The project includes a 36-kilometre metro line with 13 stations and 4,000 commuter parking spaces, helping to service one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.

Sydney Metro Northwest – source: webuild website

A landmark in design and construction

Running between the suburbs of Bella Vista and Rouse Hill, the Skytrain consists of a four-kilometre elevated viaduct and a 270-metre curved cable-stayed bridge supported by two 45-metre towers. The bridge deck is made of 88 unique concrete segments, each weighing between 70 and 140 tonnes.

The structure was designed to blend functionality with architectural elegance, and has been described as Sydney’s most visually striking infrastructure since the Harbour Bridge. Alongside two elevated stations, it stands as a prominent feature of the city’s evolving skyline.

Sydney Metro cable stayed bridge – source: webuild website

Innovation and technology at the heart of the project

One of the most impressive aspects of the Skytrain project was the use of advanced construction technologies. To accelerate the building process, Webuild employed giant mobile horizontal cranes, also known as launching gantries. Each gantry, weighing 600 tonnes and stretching 150 metres in length, sat atop the piers to lift and position precast concrete girders. Originally used in Dubai by the company under its former name, Salini Impregilo, the gantries were specially adapted for the unique curvature and structural requirements of the Sydney Skytrain. With the capacity to hoist 20 girders at once, workers were able to build up to two spans per week, more than twice as fast as traditional methods.

To ensure precision and quality, Webuild also constructed an on-site concrete plant, allowing full control over production. Special concrete mixes with low-carbon additives such as slag and fly ash were used to reduce CO₂ emissions, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable building practices.

Benefits for Sydney and its communities

Since becoming operational, the Skytrain has significantly improved the city’s transport network by removing tens of thousands of car trips each day. It is also part of Sydney’s first fully automated metro system, with peak services every four minutes, a game changer for public transport in the area. During construction, Webuild was able to minimise the impact on local communities, keeping seven major roads, including the busy Windsor Road, open to traffic. More than 4,000 workers from 50 countries took part in the project, achieving a remarkable safety record with a lost-time injury rate of just 0.1.

Sydney Metro train testing Windsor Rd bridge – source: webuild website

Global recognition and awards

The Sydney Metro Northwest Skytrain has earned widespread acclaim from both Australian and international institutions.

  • 🏆 Leading IS Design Rating (2015) and Leading As Built IS Rating (2017) from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia
  • 🏆 Project of the Year and Global Best Projects – Railway Sector (2018) from Engineering News-Record (ENR)
  • 🏆 Award of Excellence in Infrastructure from the Concrete Institute of Australia – NSW branch

These accolades place the project among world-class best practices in sustainability and engineering, affirming Webuild’s status as a global leader in innovative infrastructure delivery.

About Webuild

Webuild is a global leader in the design and construction of large-scale infrastructure projects in the sectors of sustainable mobility, clean energy, water, and green buildings. With about 120 years of experience and operations in more than 50 countries, the Group brings together the skills and expertise of more than 92,000 people from 100 different nationalities.

Webuild has delivered some of the most complex engineering works across the globe, combining innovation with a strong focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. In Australia, the company continues to play a key role in transforming the country’s transport network, from metro systems to motorways and bridges, contributing to the cities of tomorrow with a truly global vision and Italian excellence.

As the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia, ICCIAUS is proud to support Italian companies like Webuild that bring world-leading expertise to local infrastructure development. Their work is a testament to the strength of the Italy–Australia partnership, and a symbol of what Italian innovation can contribute to the future of Australian cities.

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