The Northern Road Upgrade added to national Infrastructure Priority List
The Australian Government has welcomed the announcement today by Infrastructure Australia that it has added Western Sydney’s The Northern Road Upgrade to its list of priority projects.
Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said the project is part of the Australian and New South Wales governments’ 10-year, $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, which will support the region’s growing population and the Western Sydney Airport.
“Australian Government policy is that all projects receiving federal funding of over $100 million must have an Infrastructure Australia assessment. The Northern Road will receive $1.2 billion in Australian Government funding,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Western Sydney is one of Australia's fastest growing economies. A growing population will need infrastructure and jobs to stimulate economic growth, and the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan is key to getting that infrastructure investment in place.
“The Australian Government is investing $2.9 billion over 10 years in infrastructure upgrades and new corridors in this region. This will ensure that Western Sydney Airport will be supported by a quality transport network that moves passengers, staff and freight efficiently when the airport opens in 2026.
“The Northern Road is a crucial road for the Western Sydney region, providing one of the main arterial north-south transport corridors that links people to jobs and connects goods and services. Investment in this route will improve the way people go about their daily lives as well as improving freight access to both domestic and international markets.”
Mr Fletcher said the project involves upgrading 31 kilometres of The Northern Road between Peter Brock Drive in Oran Park and Jamison Road, South Penrith.
“The majority of the upgrade will be built as a four‑lane dual carriageway road with two dedicated kerb‑side bus lanes adding dedicated public transport capacity to the corridor,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The 31 kilometres of The Northern Road includes the realignment of the road around the Western Sydney Airport site. This activity is one of many that will ensure Western Sydney Airport opens in 2026.
“The upgrade to The Northern Road will also include interchanges with the new M12 Motorway, the M4 Motorway and Bringelly Road.”
The proposed project will upgrade a 31-kilometre section of The Northern Road in three parts:
- Peter Brock Drive to Mersey Road;
- Mersey Road to Glenmore Parkway; and
- Glenmore Parkway to Jamison Road.
