Community Overview
WestConnex acknowledges the Traditional owners of Country throughout
Australia and recognises the continuing connection to the lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to elders both past and present.
Connecting Sydney
WestConnex is Australia’s largest road infrastructure project and central to our vision to better connect people and businesses across New South Wales. WestConnex is helping motorists move around Sydney safer, easier and faster, while delivering a major economic boost by creating thousands of jobs. Customers are experiencing significant travel time savings on the M4, M8 and M5 East. The M4 has led to travel time savings of up to 56 minutes, and with one third of traffic taken off Parramatta Road, local air quality has improved by 10–15%. The M8 provides travel time savings of up to 30 minutes between Liverpool and Sydney’s southern CBD, and has significantly improved the M5 East, with traffic moving 60% faster and 40% less crashes. The full benefits of WestConnex are yet to come, with the completion of the ‘missing link’ the M4-M5 Tunnels and Rozelle Interchange. WestConnex is not just about roads, it is delivering 18 hectares of open space for the community, more than a million trees, shrubs and plants, as well as 23 kilometres of new and improved shared paths for local neighbourhoods to enjoy. We are excited to be delivering this once in a generation project for the city we love, and look forward to Sydneysiders benefitting for decades to come.
2015
2017
2019
2020
2023
2024
WestConnex M8 Motorway opens. M5 East integrated into the WestConnex network
Construction commences on the first stage of WestConnex, the M4 widening
WestConnex Rozelle Interchange due to open
WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnels due to open
WestConnex M4 widening opens
WestConnex M4 Tunnels open
Andrew Head Group Executive WestConnex
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M1
Keeping Sydney moving
RHODES
Rozelle Interchange^ Opening 2024
GRANVILLE
Western Harbour Tunnel^ & Beaches Link*^
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
New M4 Tunnels Six lanes Opened 2019
AUBURN
New M4 Eight lanes Opened 2017
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
DRUMMOYNE
CONCORD
BALMAIN
SYDNEY HARBOUR TUNNEL
LIDCOMBE
Entry and exit point Surface road Tunnel The first two stages of WestConnex, the New M4 Tunnels and the M8 are open and have transformed previously congested corridors, improved travel times and connectivity for motorists and freight. After almost three years of work on the WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnels excavation is now complete with 22 kilometres of tunnels and ramps now carved out and ready for paving. The tunnels will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and Sydney Airport and also connect to future Projects including the Western Harbour Tunnel and the M6. Future projects being carried out by Transport for NSW Subject to planning approval Existing road and motorway Delivered by the NSW Government WestConnex is one of the most ambitious single road projects in Australia’s history and in just less than 10 years, 40% of Sydney’s population is expected to live within five kilometres of this network. It’s 33 kilometres of new and improved motorways and tunnels provide motorists with a continuous, traffic-light-free motorway network, that connects Sydney’s west and southwest suburbs with the CBD, Sydney Airport and Port Botany. It also provides for future projects linking the north shore and northern beaches.
FIVE DOCK
Cross City Tunnel
HOMEBUSH
ROZELLE
SYDNEY CBD
BURWOOD
GLEBE
STRATHFIELD
HABERFIELD
LEICHHARDT
SURRY HILLS
Eastern Distributor
CAMPERDOWN
CHULLORA
ASHFIELD
M4-M5 Link Eight lanes Opening 2023
ALEXANDRIA
M1
King Georges Road Interchange Opened 2016
CAMPSIE
ST PETERS
BANKSTOWN
EARLWOOD
MASCOT
M5 East
ROSELANDS
M5 South West
PUNCHBOWL
Sydney Gateway^
SYDNEY AIRPORT
M5
BOTANY
ARNCLIFFE
Four lanes Opened 2020 M8
Entry and exit point Surface road Tunnel
RIVERWOOD
REVESBY
Southern Cross Drive M1
BEVERLEY HILLS
Future projects being carried out by Transport for NSW
M6 Stage 1^
HURSTVILLE
Subject to planning approval Existing road and motorway Delivered by the NSW Government
PORT BOTANY
More than two thirds of WestConnex is being built underground
I worked out that we bypass more than 20 traffic lights using the M8 instead of the Princess Highway. The time savings well and truly justify the toll for us and it’s great to finally have road infrastructure that directly services the inner west. — Thomas, Newtown resident
Up to 56mins travel-time savings on afternoon peak westbound M4
10-15% air quality improvement along Parramatta Road
60% increase in travel-time savings on M5 East
40% reduction in crashes on M5 East
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Transforming travel and communities Whether it is saving up to 56 minutes on a journey along the M4 in the evening peak, or 30 minutes between Liverpool and Sydney’s southern CBD in the M8 Tunnels, WestConnex is saving customers valuable time. We recognise the importance of offering our customers a choice about the route they take and have digital calculators available on the Transurban Linkt customer website so motorists can weigh up the benefits of taking a toll road over the free alternative. Creating jobs More than 40,000 workers have been involved in delivering WestConnex, boosting job opportunities across a range of industries. The project will create an estimated more than $20 billion in benefits to the state, with around 2,000 contracts signed with NSW subcontractors and suppliers to date. More than 40% of the 10,500 workers involved in the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, which are currently being constructed, are from Western Sydney. Around 510 contracts, worth more than $950 million, have been signed with NSW subcontractors and suppliers on that Project. Over the Project lifespan, WestConnex is creating 500 apprenticeships. Our M4 and M8 delivery partners established the WestConnex Training Academy at Homebush in partnership with providers such as TAFE NSW. The academy focuses on quality, recognised training for workers including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, young people and school leavers, Western Sydney residents and people with disabilities. This training is continuing with similar programs offered on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels Project.
Benefits for freight industry and environment Around 80% of freight in Greater Sydney is moved by road and the WestConnex network provides critical connections to ports, airports and intermodal terminals. WestConnex provides considerable benefits for heavy vehicles, by avoiding stop/start traffic. This offers significant operating cost savings, increased safety, reduced fuel consumption, greater travel-time reliability, smoother travel and less wear and tear on the vehicle. Giving streets back to communities With thousands of heavy vehicles a day using the M4 Tunnels and and no longer driving on local streets—a trip on Parramatta Road is now much faster.
For local communities that means less noise and improved safety in their neighbourhood. Air quality on Paramatta Road has improved by 10-15% as a direct result of the M4 Tunnel opening and less stop start traffic on surface roads. Construction of WestConnex also paved the way for transformation and regeneration opportunities across local communities. The M8, which opened in 2020, has been a catalyst for the renewal and reuse of one of Sydney’s most under-utilised sites, the former Alexandria landfill. The former rubbish tip has undergone extensive remediation works in preparation for the construction of St Peters Interchange. The St Peters Interchange site includes around 6 hectares of open space with another 2.5 hectares being returned to the community after the M4-M5 Link Tunnels open in 2023.
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Award recipient Awarded NSW Premier’s Award 2020 (Strong Economy category). M8 stimulated the NSW economy, with 80% of contracts awarded to NSW companies and by employing more than 18,000 people across the state Community Grants Since the commencement of the project, over awarded over 318 WestConnex community grants have been awarded to grassroots organisations, directly benefitting around 155,000 people
Milestones
Tunnel excavation Excavation is now complete on the M4–M5 Link Tunnels, with over eight million tonnes of spoil removed and recycled in the construction of Western Sydney airport
Education portal The virtual Canal to Creek Launch of the immersive interactive Canal to Creek online education portal which has been accessed by over 9,000 students and 200 teachers from over 60 different countries
Industry award M4 Tunnels won 2020
Partner of the year Community partner, the
Industry Choice Award at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia National Infrastructure Awards
KARI Foundation announced WestConnex as their Partner of the Year
Recent milestones The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and Sydney Airport. More than 10,500 workers and sub-contractors have been involved in the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, with more than 40% from Western Sydney.
Creative history The M4-M5 Link Tunnels
M5 East upgrades The M5 East has received a face-lift with new road pavement, lane markings, and deep cleaning and replacement of wall panels
ventilation facility is getting a pop of colour and creativity, with one of Australia’s most significant shell artists, Esme Timbery Bidjigal artist who will be designing the façade of the ventilation facility to be built at St Peters, expected to be complete by 2023 Electrical fit-out The mechanical and electrical fit-out on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels Project is well underway, with the team installing and connecting cables, jet fans, electrical equipment rooms and cross passages in preparation for opening in 2023
M4-M5 Link Tunnels After four years of excavation, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels completed its final breakthrough in November, connecting the mainline tunnels between St Peters and Haberfield. Tunnelling is now complete, with 8.7 million tonnes of spoil removed, almost 22 kilometres of tunnels and ramps carved out and over 10,500 workers involved in the project to date. With road paving complete and the mechanical and electrical fit out at 60% complete, the project is well on track to open in 2023. The tunnels will be approximately 7.5km long and accommodate up to four lanes of traffic in each direction.
Murals at St Peters Partnered with Inner West Council to deliver three large murals on the walls of St Peters businesses, part of the local fabric of the inner west area
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A greener, better-connected community We recognise that building major infrastructure projects in urban environments can have significant impacts on communities. WestConnex is committed to minimising and mitigating against these impacts wherever possible. In addition to on the ground community consultation, WestConnex participates in a number of important community initiatives.
Public art The WestConnex Canal to Creek Public Art Program showcases 18 commissioned artworks, enhancing new and existing parklands between Beverly Hills and St Peters. Featuring artist-designed playgrounds, large-scale murals and immersive lighting installations, a writer’s walk and contemporary sculpture. The art trail is a cultural legacy for the community to enjoy. Canal to Creek to classroom Inspired by its public art program, we have developed an interactive education arts portal for high school students, which aligns with the NSW Visual Arts curriculum. The portal enables students to engage with 360 degree imagery of the Canal to Creek artwork, learn directly from acclaimed artists about how their works were created and access other interactive resources. WestConnex partnered with the Visual Arts Design Educators Association (VADEA) to deliver the initiative, which Co-President Nicole DeLosa said has ensured public art is accessible to students, no matter where they live. Visit the portal: canaltocreek.com “We believe that the WestConnex Public Art Portal is one of the most innovative and exciting educational experiences we’ve seen. The portal delivers a truly relevant and unique approach to interact with these commissioned artworks in a relevant and engaging way.”
Partnerships We invest in partnerships to support and strengthen communities. WestConnex’s partnership with Western Sydney road safety educator, the Blue Datto Foundation has enabled more than 25,000 students to participate in its award-winning road safety program, ‘Keeping Safe’, ensuring vital education remains accessible to young people who are some of the most at-risk on NSW roads. Open spaces WestConnex is providing more than 18 hectares of new and revitalised open space, and planting around 1 million new plants along the Project corridor. Almost 6,000 homes are now within a 10 minute walk of Ismay Reserve, a previously unused corridor in Sydney’s west which has been transformed into a popular new public recreation space. An artist-designed playground at Simpson Park in St Peters and a pocket park with active transport links in Haberfield have also provided new open spaces for local families and residents to enjoy.
Cycleways 23 kilometres of pedestrian and cycle paths will be delivered as part of WestConnex. In 2020, the Campbell Street Green Link was extended via a new toll-free bridge as part of the WestConnex M8, providing a new shared path connection between St Peters and the growing Mascot precinct. Grants Over the past five years, 318 WestConnex community grants have been awarded to local organisations across western Sydney. These grants have directly benefited more than 155,000 people and provide lasting outcomes for communities. These grants help deliver a range of legacy Projects, including STEM and sports equipment for schools, education programs, new facilities to assist people living with disabilities, sustainability initiatives and heritage restoration projects.
Nicole DeLosa Co-President VADEA
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For more information
Call 1800 660 248 , email info@westconnex.com.au or visit westconnex.com.au
Visit a WestConnex local information centre M4-M5 Link Tunnels 201-205 Parramatta Road, Haberfield Rozelle Interchange 84 Lilyfield Road, Rozelle
We speak your language
Visit westconnex.com.au Need an interpreter? Call theTranslating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 . TTY service If you're deaf or you have a hearing or speech impediment, please use the National Relay Service.
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