Media Release: Work powers ahead on Sydney Airport road network upgrade

Work is now complete on a new Port Botany rail freight bridge, a major part of a continuing project to upgrade the road network to the east of Sydney Airport, including replacing the level crossing on General Homes Drive with a road underpass.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the project would be delivered by the Australian and New South Wales governments to improve travel times and ease congestion around the Sydney Airport/Port Botany precinct.

“The Australian Government has committed $40 million towards the $156 million required to remove the level crossing on General Homes Drive – a major barrier to improving traffic flows in the area,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Work started on this important project in February 2017 to provide a more efficient road network around the busy Sydney Airport Precinct and make life easier for the thousands of motorists and truck drivers who travel in this area each day.

“Construction of the Port Botany rail freight bridge required pouring around 1,000 cubic metres of concrete, installing pilings and rail embankment works to allow space for a future track duplication.

“Replacing the crossing with a new rail freight bridge will substantially reduce traffic disruptions on General Holmes Drive as well as reduce delays to freight train movements on the line.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said, to ensure construction of the bridge could be managed safely and efficiently, the Botany rail line had been temporarily diverted from its original alignment.

“We will now relocate the line across the new bridge to allow work to start on the underpass, which will improve access to the airport, Mascot and the eastern suburbs by connecting Botany Road via Wentworth Avenue to General Holmes Drive.”

“Further works will be undertaken between 2am on Saturday 16 and 2am on Monday 18 June to certify, test and commission the permanent rail line, following which the first freight train is expected to traverse the new bridge early on the morning of Monday 18 June – a major milestone for this project,” Mrs Pavey said.

For more information and to keep up to date with the project visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/sydneyairport.