Aerial Progress Report: Sydney's Biggest Projects

Has it really been almost 60 years since Sydney’s transport infrastructure last experienced a major upgrade?And yet since then the population has more than doubled, recently reaching the five million milestone.

Developments like Sydney Metro Northwest, Sydney Light Rail and WestConnex have been put in place to future-proof Sydney in response to this unmistakable truth, preparing the city for the predicted population boom and working towards creating an interconnected metropolis for many generations to come.

But while these projects are critical to the future of Sydney, they have been at the forefront of much public debate.

Futurist, demographer and social commentator Mark McCrindle believes that while local communities may be inconvenienced during the development phases taking place across Sydney right now, it is important to look at how essential these developments will be for future generations.

“There’s no doubt that Sydney is rapidly expanding," he says.

"In fact, an estimated 1.2 million homes will need to be built in order to sustain this level of growth.

“It’s important that Sydney, as a community, thinks long-term about how these major infrastructure projects are needed to create an interconnected and sustainable city to support generations to come.

“Continued effective planning and communication from local councils, with the community held as the first priority, will also be critical to successfully managing the construction phases of these infrastructure projects,” McCrindle says.

Innovative technology companies like 

Nearmap, who regularly capture high resolution aerial images of urban areas around Australia, are making it easier for governments to monitor these long-term projects.

The latest images from Nearmap now reveal just how far these major projects have come over the last few years.
Light Rail, Anzac Parade

May 2015 vs September 2016

The Sydney Light Rail extension has progressed down George Street and onto the Anzac Parade where six lanes of traffic are currently being diverted to allow for the construction of a tunnel for the tram line. Construction will begin shortly on connecting the two developments through Surry Hills. The project is set for completion by mid-October.
WestConnex M5 Development, Beverly Hills

May 2015 vs September 2016

Stage one (of three) of the WestConnex project is now underway with the M5 currently being widened and the King George’s intersection nearing completion. This stage is set for completion in 2019 with the full project stretching until 2023.
Sydney Metro Northwest Trains Facility, Rouse Hill

May 2015 vs September 2016

Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project, Sydney Metro, has begun construction of the stations which will make up its Northwest line. While many of these stations are starting to take shape the final project will only open to the public in 2019.

Nearmap is constantly flying, capturing, and providing detailed, accurate, timely data. With coverage extending to 85% of Australia's population, Nearmap gives governments and businesses the ability to monitor and assess projects as they take shape.

Nearmap Australia Senior Vice President and General Manager John Biviano says Governments and businesses use aerial imagery to track progress of significant projects like the ones happening all over Sydney now.

"The high quality, birds-eye perspective can provide insights you might not be able to see from the ground," he said.

“Effective planning and execution of Sydney’s transport infrastructure developments will be essential in managing its rapidly growing population.”

Images courtesy Nearmap.