Thu, 05 May 2022 - 11:06
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M12 motorway set for take-off with contractors announced

Construction of the new M12 motorway linking to the Western Sydney International Airport will begin within months, with the successful contractors to deliver the first two sections of the $2 billion project announced today.

NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the toll-free 16-kilometre motorway would be a vital infrastructure link, playing a critical role in ensuring modern, safe and efficient access to the new airport.

“Western Sydney will be home to not just a new world-class airport, but a fantastic new motorway catering to locals and visitors from all around the world, ensuring easy and quick access,” the Premier said.

“In addition, the M12 will also complement upgrades to local roads and a new Sydney Metro, Western Sydney Airport Link, providing improved access to cater for future growth in Western Sydney.”

“Our strong economic management means we can invest more in infrastructure and build the things that make a difference to people’s lives - this is how we’re delivering a better future for NSW families.”

The motorway will form a link from Elizabeth Drive at Cecil Hills to The Northern Road at Luddenham with direct access to the new Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport. 

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher, said this was a significant milestone in the delivery of this important new road connection in Western Sydney.

“The new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport will be a game changer for the region, but just as important as delivering a world-class airport is delivering the surrounding transport connections,” Minister Fletcher said.

“That is why the Morrison Government is investing billions of dollars in road and rail infrastructure around the airport, including $1.6 billion for the new M12, to provide seamless connections for travellers, and efficient and safe commutes for locals.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, said major construction is scheduled to begin in the middle of this year and be complete before the new airport opens in 2026.

“We’re now just months away from this vision beginning to turn into reality. This new motorway will be used by up to 52,000 vehicles a day, with people saving up to 16 minutes travel time between the M7 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2036,” Minister Ward said.

“It will also be a major jobs boost, generating up to 2,400 jobs during construction, and will be an important economic driver.”

NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the region has the infrastructure it needs as it grows.

“The M12 is an important part of the $4.4 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan which has already resulted in the upgrade of The Northern Road, Bringelly Road and Werrington Arterial, along with our commitment to build a Metro line which will link to the new airport,” Minister Ayres said.

Federal Liberal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, said the M12 would help connect locals with Western Sydney Airport jobs.

“The M12 is part of the vision for a greater Western Sydney, delivering Western Sydney Airport, the largest infrastructure project for our region,” Ms McIntosh said.

State Liberal Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, said the M12 will feature shared cycleway and pedestrian paths with signs displaying the local Aboriginal heritage.

“Around 73,000 native trees will also be planted along the Motorway to integrate the road into its surrounds and celebrate the local environment,” Mrs Davies said.

State Liberal Member for Camden, Peter Sidgreaves, said early works to relocate and install new utilities and build a temporary roundabout began late last year.

“We have been preparing for the start of major construction and the announcement of the awarding of these two contracts is an exciting step forward,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

Seymour Whyte will build the central section of the M12 between Cecil Park and Badgerys Creek, while CPB Georgiou Group Joint Venture will deliver the western section to The Northern Road, which includes the airport interchange and Elizabeth Drive flyover.

The third element – the eastern section – will provide a connection to Elizabeth Drive and the M7 Motorway. Procurement of this section will occur this year.