WestConnex M4 Widening

Preparatory work on the $500m WestConnex M4 Widening is all set to start after receiving approval from Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government.

Federal assistant infrastructure minister Jamie Briggs said: "This is another important milestone in building the WestConnex, which will create 10,000 jobs and deliver more than $20bn in economic benefits to New South Wales.

"WestConnex will transform Sydney by fixing the M4 and M5 and joining them together in a continuous, free-flowing motorway, connecting to Sydney’s CBD, airport and port."

"This is another important milestone in building the WestConnex."

The latest infrastructure project will bypass up to 52 sets of traffic lights and is expected to reduce 40min from a typical journey between Parramatta and Sydney Airport.

NSW roads minister Duncan Gay said: "With planning approval now granted, preparatory work will begin along the corridor later this month, including final geotechnical work and investigation of utilities before site work gets underway in February."

The Rizzani De Eccher Leighton joint venture has been contracted to design and construct the 7.5km project, due for completion in early 2017.

By targeting congestion on one of Sydney’s major motorway corridors, the project will cut travel times by up to 74% on the section of the M4.

As part of the first stage of WestConnex, the M4 Motorway will be widened to four lanes in each direction between Parramatta and Homebush and ramp upgrades such as new direct access from Homebush Bay Drive to the M4 westbound would be made.

A new M4 connection for motorists heading eastbound from Hill Road will also be built and support the growth around Sydney Olympic Park.

In order to reduce the impact on motorists, most of the work is set to take place behind safety barriers or separate to the existing motorway lanes.

The WestConnex will receive a funding of $1.8bn from the NSW government and the $1.5bn from the Australian Government.

A concessional loan of up to $2bn will be provided to fast-track stage 2 of WestConnex from Beverly Hills to St Peters.

Image: The $500m WestConnex M4 Widening. Photo: courtesy of Leighton Contractors Pty.