WestConnex

The Australian and New South Wales (NSW) Governments have announced the first construction contract for WestConnex, clearing way for major works to start from early 2015.

NSW roads minister Duncan Gay and federal assistant infrastructure minister Jamie Briggs said as part of the first project, Sydney’s M4 will be widened.

Briggs said: "We have chosen Rizzani De Eccher Leighton joint venture to design and construct the world-class M4 Widening, which will widen the M4 between Parramatta and Homebush from three lanes to four lanes each way.

"Delivery of the M4 Widening will bring early benefits from WestConnex to Western Sydney."

"This is an important milestone in the delivery of WestConnex and means construction can get under way on the 7.5km project in the New Year, subject to planning approval."

Upon completion, WestConnex is expected to provide more than $20bn in economic benefits to New South Wales, in addition to creating 10,000 jobs.

Briggs also noted that the WestConnex motorway will fix the M4 and M5 and join them together in a continuous, free-flowing motorway connecting to Sydney’s CBD, airport and port.

The M4 widening project between Church Street and Homebush Bay Drive will target congestion on one of Sydney’s major motorway corridors and is expected to bring down travel times by up to 74%.

Western Sydney will see the creation of 2,000 jobs following the widening, which is said to be a vital part of stage one of the WestConnex project and will join to the M4 East tunnel to Haberfield project.

Construction on the M4 East tunnel is expected to begin by mid-2016.

The widening will feature increased capacity between Parramatta and Homebush, and ramp upgrades, including new direct access from southbound Homebush Bay Drive to the M4 westbound through a G-ramp.

A new M4 connection for motorists heading eastbound from Hill Road will also be installed.

The fast-track second stage of WestConnex from Beverly Hills to St Peters will receive funding of $1.8bn from NSW government and $1.5bn from the Australian Government, in addition to concessional loan of up to $2bn.

Leighton Contractors will have a $150m share in the contract.

Leighton Contractors managing director David Jurd said: "The Leighton Contractors – Rizzani de Eccher joint venture has extensive experience in bridge and viaduct design and upgrading motorways under live traffic conditions.

"Delivery of the M4 Widening will bring early benefits from WestConnex to Western Sydney, including easing congestion and improving connectivity to the motorway."

Image: WestConnex M4 Widening. Photo: courtesy of Leighton Contractors.