Sydney’s multibillion-dollar Metro won’t be delayed by the coronavirus lockdown, as NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says work on the rail project could actually be accelerated during the shutdown.

While most of the city is closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 5000 people remain working on the Metro City and Southwest project.

Minster for Transport Andrew Constance says the Sydney Metro won't be delayed by the COVID-19 shutdown. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Mr Constance on Wednesday said fewer commuters across the city’s network meant work could be sped up in the “rabbit warren” beneath Central Station, where workers have broken into 50-year-old underground platforms.

The “ghost platforms,” which were built last century as part of the eastern suburbs line were never completed, but will soon house communications and power rooms supporting the $15 billion Metro.