The Australian Government, in partnership with the New South Wales Government, has announced a ten-year road investment programme of over $3 billion for Western Sydney. This is part of the Australian Government’s plan to build the infrastructure of the 21st century and grow the economy. This programme includes an upgrade of The Northern Road.
What will happen?
The Northern Road is a key north-south arterial link between the major centre of Narellan and the M4 Motorway.
The upgrade will take The Northern Road from two lanes to a four-lane divided road along this 31 kilometre length. The provision of a wide median would allow for a six-lane road to be provided in the future.
The upgrade will be undertaken in stages to minimise disruptions to traffic. The first stage will involve the southernmost section of the road near Narellan, consistent with planning undertaken by the New South Wales Government.
The Northern Road currently passes through the Badgerys Creek airport site. As such, the upgrade of the road will also involve realignment around the western boundary of the site.
The upgrade to The Northern Road will also include interchanges at Elizabeth Drive and Bringelly Road.
What are the benefits?
- Increased capacity to handle future traffic growth in the South West Growth Centre and the development of an airport at Badgerys Creek.
- Improved travel times.
- Main north-south connection to the airport from the M4 Motorway and growing population centres in North West Sydney.
- The upgrade will improve safety for motorists through the construction of a central median to separate traffic flows and new intersections with traffic lights.
- Planning by the New South Wales Government is well progressed and construction of the first stage will commence in 2015.
Timeframe
Construction to commence in 2015-16. The upgrade will be completed in stages, with final stage to be completed during 2019 – 2020.
