All asphalt toll-free M12 motorway that is set to connect the new Western Sydney International Airport to Sydney’s wider road network and freight routes has now been laid.
Although landscaping, sign posting and safety infrastructure works remain ongoing, the laying of roughly 117,000 cubic metres means, for the first time, there is now capability to drive the entire length between The Northern Road and works near Elizabeth Drive off ramp at Cecil Park.
The road is set to be open to public in 2026, with the last section connecting into the M7 Motorway still under construction to add around two more kilometres to the project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government says the project will enable faster and more efficient movement of freight in what will be a key area in and around the new airport.
“We’re building Australia’s future by delivering the road and rail connections this new Airport needs to connect it to Western Sydney and beyond,” King says.
“With freight services due to start at the airport next year, this new road will ensure trucks can move quickly and easily from the Airport to sites like the new Moorebank intermodal terminal and the rest of the Sydney road network.”
The $2.1 billion project is one of the largest transport projects ever seen in New South Wales, and has involved:
Around 117,000 cubic metres mainline road concrete used
8,223 people employed from which 5,472 local people were employed
2,320 bridge lineal metres
3,085,587 cubic metres of completed earthworks
461 bridge piles installed
637 bridge girders installed
867,509 trees, shrubs and grasses planted.
The central and western sections of the M12 Motorway have been completed by Transport for NSW construction partners Seymour Whyte and CPB Georgiou Group JV.
Work to link the M12 to the M7 is continuing to progress. A new alignment of Wallgrove Road at Cecil Hills recently opened to motorists which will enable room for the interchange ramps, with bridgework continuing.
“Once opened next year, this road is expected to carry up to 30,000 vehicles a day,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison says.
“These are vehicles we are taking off local roads by providing a quality free alternative.
“And while this is happening, we are getting on with the job of strengthening local roads around the precinct. That includes Mamre Road, Mulgoa Road and for the first time $800 million towards fixing Elizabeth Drive and $1 billion on Fifteenth Avenue.”
The construction of the 14 kilometres of road has been delivered on time and on budget.
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