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Australia’s first driverless metro has won a top global award for best rail project.

The US-based Engineering News Record (ENR) Global Best Projects Awards focus on the challenges, risks and rewards of designing and constructing around the world and recognize the project teams behind outstanding design and construction efforts each year.

The KBR, Mott MacDonald and SMEC design joint venture (JV) team’s contribution to the AU$7.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest project has earned the 2020 ENR Global Best Rail Project award.

The project, delivered by the New South Wales state government, is the first stage of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.

The JV delivered the detailed design for eight new metro stations which included three underground stations, three new open-cut suburban stations and two new elevated stations. It was also responsible for train stabling maintenance facilities, 36 kilometres of new metro track, overhead power systems and precinct civil works and car parks.

Building information modelling (BIM) was successfully applied to this major transport infrastructure project and, by adopting BIM, the JV minimized cost and schedule risk and enhanced constructability.

The innovative design developed by the JV reduced the use of raw construction material.

Reducing the use of raw construction materials and labor on-site in favor of prefabricated elements increased the efficiency and sustainability of the project both in construction and in future maintenance operations.

Wayne Nolan, KBR Vice President, Infrastructure Services Australia, said, “Receiving ENR’s 2020 award for best rail project is a great achievement for our customers and joint venture partners. As we continue to deliver creative solutions and services that enhance our society, Sydney Metro Northwest is a great example of us living our purpose and delivering for our customers. We look forward to continuing to provide solutions for transportation infrastructure across Australia.”

Adrian Jones, Mott MacDonald’s managing director for Australia, said, “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded this global honor. Sydney Metro Northwest truly demonstrates what can be accomplished when we connect our thinking between global expertise and local knowledge. We thank everyone who played a part in delivering this project which has helped lay the foundations for a new era in public transport in Australia.”

James Phillis, CEO SMEC Australia, said, “The Sydney Metro Northwest is not only the first metro train system in Australia, it is also Australia’s first fully automated passenger service. Over 70 years on from our founding in the iconic Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, SMEC is proud to continue our legacy in another iconic, innovative and ground-breaking infrastructure project that is making a difference to Australians.”

The winners of ENR’s Global Best Project Awards will be celebrated at a virtual ceremony this month.