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“[The regulator] will process the application as quickly as possible,noting that it requires sufficient time to undertake the internal review process to assess the documentation.”

The regulator’s comments comes as several sources close to the project said there was a risk that the line would not open to passengers on August 4 because of the tight timeframe. “It seems to be 50:50,” one said.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said August 4 remained the target date,but the line would not open unless it had regulatory approval and the government had confidence it was safe and reliable.

“We have to ensure the regulator is satisfied,and we are working to fulfil all of those necessary processes,” she said.

Sydney Metro chief executive Peter Regan said the agency was still targeting an August 4 opening,but it had been clear from the outset that it was subject to final sign-off by the regulator and the operator completing trial running.

“We’ve got everything in place on the basis that we are targeting August 4. But it’s definitely August and as early in August as possible,” he said.

The agency said that the last time Sydney opened a new metro rail line,the national rail safety regulator gave approval to remove restrictions on carrying passengers at 4.01pm on May 22,2019,four days before theMetro Northwest between Tallawong and Chatswood opened.

A new park surrounding the Barangaroo station will open to the public on Monday.Credit:Nick Moir

On Wednesday,the fighters’ union lifted anindefinite ban on members taking part in critical safety exercises to allow agreed drills to be undertaken. Some of the extra exercises involving firefighters are to familiarise them with the stations and rest of the line.

The new line’s private operator was savaged two weeks ago by Fire and Rescue commanders for itsdire response to a system-wide outage,which suddenly stopped 31 driverless trains.

A new park surrounding the entrance to anunderground metro station at Barangaroo will open to the public on Monday. The 7000-square-metre precinct around the station entrance has almost 200 trees and plants,new footpaths,streetlights and bike parking facilities.

More than a dozen long concrete benches,each weighing 12 tonnes,have been installed,as well as new bus stops,and drop-off points for taxis and vehicles,close to the station entry.

A cast iron replica of a historic boat is also located near the entrance,marking the location where the 200-year-old artefact,which archaeologists believe was used for cargo in the 1800s,was found during excavation for the station.

A second underground entrance to the station will be opened when the$2 billion-plus Central Barangaroo development is completed,mostlikely to be in 2029.

Haylen said the station would make Barangaroo,as well as the nearby Walsh Bay arts and culture precinct and The Rocks,more accessible for Sydneysiders and visitors.

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