$100 million upgrade to Olympic intersection

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have unveiled a $100 million plan to upgrade the intersection of Homebush Bay Drive, Australia Avenue and Underwood Road at Homebush, reducing travel times for Sydney families and making major events at Sydney Olympic Park more accessible.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher said the project, which is being funded under the Urban Congestion Fund, would improve travel through a particularly congested area around Sydney Olympic Park.

As part of the upgrade:

• Australia Avenue and Underwood Road will both be widened to allow more traffic to flow into this more efficient intersection
• Left slip lanes will be provided at all approaches and a U-turn lane installed on the Homebush Bay Drive northbound approach will allow traffic flow back onto the southbound ramp towards the M4 Motorway
• Footpaths will be widened to become shared use pathways and on-road bicycle lanes will be improved, and
• Refuge islands and coordinated user-activated crossings will be provided at all approaches.

“The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The upgrade of this busy intersection will help improve connectivity to Sydney Olympic Park, boost traffic flow, reduce travel times, increase reliability for local bus routes, and provide better and safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is particularly important given the high volume of traffic that this area experiences during major events, and by improving the infrastructure surrounding the Olympic Park precinct, we are ultimately helping to improve the experience of event attendees and maintain our reputation for hosting world class events.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the project will provide a modernised solution to a complex intersection.

“People in Sydney know this intersection well, having used it to attend the Olympics two decades ago, and more recently to access events, homes and offices in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct,” Mrs Ward said.

“Congestion during peak hours and special events are an increasing challenge, so it’s important we keep large volumes of traffic moving quickly and safely. We have listened to the community here who deserve an upgrade to this important intersection.”

Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin said the upgrades will improve safety, efficiency, and capacity at the intersection more effectively than any other option.

“This intersection has been a major pinch point for locals for many years, which is why our Government has made it a priority to upgrade it to reduce congestion as part of our record $120 billion, 10 year infrastructure pipeline,” Dr Martin said.

“The Morrison Government will continue to deliver a better future for Reid, and this is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.”

NSW Member for Parramatta, Dr Geoff Lee said the area had been transformed since the current intersection was completed in the 1990s.

“This entire precinct has bloomed in the past two decades from both a residential and commercial point of view, but unfortunately this intersection has not been able to keep up the pace in supporting the resulting increased traffic load,” Dr Lee said.

“News of an upgrade is music to the ears of businesses and residents, and I fully support the innovative approach Transport for NSW is taking in their proposal.”

The proposed intersection design known as a Diverging Diamond interchange is the first of its kind in NSW and was selected following the assessment of 12 options including roundabout improvements, overpasses, underpasses, and various signalised intersection options that considered safety, efficiency, pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, environmental impacts, community needs and cost.

The community is invited to comment on the proposal until Sunday 29 May. Once the consultation period closes Transport for NSW will carefully consider all feedback received. A report summarising all feedback, and Transport for NSW responses, will be published later in the year.

Subject to project approval, construction is expected to begin in 2025 and take about 18 months to complete.

Transport for NSW will undertake a community education campaign and install clear signage for approaching drivers to ensure all users can safely and confidently navigate the intersection when it opens.

For more information, go to nswroads.work/australiaavenue-portal.