Media Release: Clayton Utz congratulates Sydney Metro on the opening of Sydney Metro Northwest

Clayton Utz congratulates Sydney Metro on the official opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line – the first driverless metro rail line in Australia and the country's biggest public transport project.

Clayton Utz was among the core team of advisers to Sydney Metro (and Transport for NSW) on the $8.3 billion project, which was delivered on time and under budget.

Extending for 36 kilometres, Sydney Metro Northwest connects the north western Sydney community with Chatswood. There are 13 stations, including eight new stations, on the line from Chatswood to Tallawong.

Clayton Utz was appointed by Transport for NSW in 2011 as principal legal advisers to the project.

Our team, led by partners Sergio Capelli, Frank Bannon and Brendan Bateman, and supported by Lina Fischer, advised on the full range of legal and commercial project requirements including project design and construction, environment and planning approvals, insurance, construction procurement, project finance, land acquisition and dispute management.

Head of the Clayton Utz national Major Projects practice, Sergio Capelli, said it was a proud moment for the team to see the Sydney Metro Northwest line open to passengers. "It's satisfying to be part of a project that is not only an Australian first but also involves a level of innovation that sets a new standard in how these types of projects are delivered. We are excited at the opportunity to continue to build on our experience to help deliver major infrastructure that is changing the way we connect our communities."

Clayton Utz's involvement in the Sydney Metro Northwest link follows the firm's involvement with another leading transport project, the ACT Light Rail Project in Canberra. 

Clayton Utz has advised the ACT Government on its light rail operating PPP project since its inception. The first stage of the project, an 12km line from Gungahlin to the city, has just opened and was delivered approximately $32 million under budget.