The state body wants to see certain freight road works prioritised
New South Wales’ independent infrastructure body says it plans to extend the Sydney Gateway road project to Port Botany to facilitate freight movements.
Infrastructure NSW says the extension from Sydney Airport to Port Botany is an immediate priority and must be completed properly.
The proposed $2.6 billion link has been criticised because it ends near the domestic terminal rather than continuing to the port, as it is currently located between the WestConnex St Peters interchange and the airport.
The extension is planned to open at the end of 2024, but Infrastructure NSW has released a Staying Ahead: State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042 report on it.
The report, released on May 31, says the first order priority for the project is to ensure the efficiency of the Sydney Airport to Port Botany international gateway is paramount.
“Delivery of WestConnex Sydney Gateway and the federal government’s Port Botany rail duplication will significantly improve freight movement in the short to medium term,” the strategy says.
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“As these projects reach completion, focus should move to improving the missing link between Sydney Gateway and Port Botany, including delivery options that suit private sector funding.
“A direct and fast road link between Sydney Gateway and Port Botany would improve efficient and reliable access between the port, surrounding industrial lands and key distribution locations in western Sydney.”
NSW infrastructure minister Rob Stokes says the 20-year strategy offers important recommendations to consider.