Media Release: Sydney's New M5 Takes Shape, Both Above And Below Ground

Construction on the WestConnex New M5 is racing ahead with excavation of the two nine kilometre twin tunnels more than 75 per cent complete and new bridge girders being craned in place above ground at the St Peters interchange.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for WestConnex Stuart Ayres today inspected New M5 tunnel portals and bridge progress at the St Peters interchange set to open in early 2020.

“The M5 East tunnels are one of Labor’s big failures. They were built far too small and remain one of Sydney’s biggest traffic headaches,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“In just over a year, this Government will open brand new twin nine kilometre tunnels between Kingsgrove and St Peters, finally doubling capacity of the M5 corridor with four new lanes in each direction, cutting travel times by up to 30 minutes.

“This investment in cutting congestion is only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

“Not only are we cleaning up Labor’s traffic mess under ground, above ground we are converting one of Sydney’s ugliest wastelands, the old Alexandria landfill, into beautiful green space for the whole community to enjoy.”

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the Turnbull and Berejiklian Governments were working together to deliver WestConnex to reduce congestion across Sydney, generate thousands of jobs and grow the economy.

“Thousands of skilled workers from a wide range of industries are contributing their expertise and services to deliver this critical infrastructure,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Bridge segments pre-cast in the Hunter are being transported to the St Peters site. WestConnex is delivering a skills legacy, with more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs created over the life of the project.

“More than one million jobs have been created since the Federal Coalition Government was elected - the stronger economy we have created allows us to invest in nation building road projects like WestConnex that create even more jobs and get commuters home sooner and safer.”

Mr Ayres said the massive transformation at St Peters is a game changer and soon work will start to surface and fit out the New M5 tunnels.

“The New M5 is a key example of how the NSW Government is delivering more than just infrastructure with this project to transform the local area by including 12 kilometres of new and improved shared pedestrian and cycle paths, public art and new gardens,” Mr Ayres said.

“When the New M5 opens to traffic in early 2020 it will cut up to half an hour from an average peak journey between Liverpool and South Sydney, providing relief for the more than 100,000 drivers who use the corridor each day.

“WestConnex is also a huge employer across the State with more than 140 apprentices and trainees making up the 2000-strong New M5 strong workforce, and hundreds of Western Sydney business have won contracts.”

Member for Oatley Mark Coure said 20 roadheaders are working around the clock to build the tunnels which will help tradies and truckies get to more jobs and employ more people and give people their time back.

“This is road we needed years ago and it's the road we will still need in 20 years, and the progress here is truly exciting,” Mr Coure said.

“WestConnex is part of the NSW Government’s record road and public transport infrastructure program currently underway to future proof our city.”

Link to timelapse footage package of work under New M5:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aw9nusw7ot50mxg/AAA-jpxf4_bEq5x8vMdyMPAa?dl=0