Work commences on two key road projects in Western Sydney

The Australian and New South Wales governments’ commitment to revitalise the Western Sydney economy has continued with works commencing on The Northern Road Stage One and Narellan Road Stage Two projects today.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher said it was essential that investments were made in the region’s infrastructure to support population growth.

“This includes delivering the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek – scheduled to open in 2025 - and the continued delivery of regional road upgrades, including the $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan,” Mr Fletcher said.

“These investments will ensure the region has strong transport links and additional job opportunities are created as Western Sydney grows. They will support existing businesses and ensure traffic continues to move efficiently.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said the region had seen the benefits of the Australian and state government commitment through the number of contracts awarded.

“The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan alone has delivered more than $18 million in contracts to Western Sydney businesses. This is an important outcome for the region’s continued economic prosperity,” Mr Gay said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Australian Government make progress towards a fully functional airport and the number of opportunities this project will create.”

Federal Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott said residents were enjoying the dividends from the road investment in the region, especially the upgrading of the Northern Road as a dual carriageway into Penrith.

“Work commencing on the Northern Rd is great news for many Penrith residents, as alleviating pinch points around Glenmore Park, the M4 and beyond is happening. Already the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan has created hundreds of jobs locally and this is set to continue,” Ms Scott said.

Federal Member for Macarthur Russell Matheson said both projects would deliver extensive upgrades to the local road network, ensuring commute times are reduced.

“The $1.6 billion Northern Road upgrade, which is being funded under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, will result in  35 kilometres of road being upgraded from a two lane to a minimum four lane divided road, with a wide central median to allow for further widening in the future,” Mr Matheson said.

“Similarly, the separately-funded $114 million Narellan Road project will upgrade a 6.8 kilometre section of road to a six-lane divided road with a central median.”

New South Wales Member for Camden Chris Patterson said residents had seen significant milestones for infrastructure projects reached in recent times.

“Many residents have already commented on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed airport at Badgerys Creek, with submissions closing on 18 December,” Mr Patterson said.

“Also, there’s been the announcement of a scoping study for potential rail options in Western Sydney, the completion of the first of three intersection upgrades on the $20 million Richmond Bridge project, as well as a range of contracts awarded on other projects.”

The Narellan Road upgrade, which will be completed in mid-2018, is being jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments, with $53 million and $61 million contributed respectively.

The Northern Road upgrade, which will be completed in late 2019, is being jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments, with $1.23 billion and $351 million contributed respectively.