Western Sydney Lands $1.6bn Infrastructure Boost

Western Sydney roads are to get a $1.6 billion upgrade to support about 100,000 potential new homes as the Western Sydney International Airport opening date nears.

The infrastructure funding includes $1 billion to upgrade the link between the new Aerotropolis and Bradfield metropolis to Liverpool, which is a joint state and federal government project.

The upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue to create a transit corridor is needed to underpin 22,000 vehicle movements a day as well as the 63,000 people expected to move to the area by 2041.

As well, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley region gained $580 million from the federal government to support housing growth for 250,000 people and flood resilience through evacuation routes.

Stage one of this package is to upgrade 1.6km of Townson Road between Richmond and Jersey roads, delivering two-lanes in either direction, separated by a raised median.

It would also move the Garfield Road West upgrades into detailed design and early works, opening up 3.2km with extra lanes at Riverstone. 

▲ Major improvements are under way on the Hawkesbury River at Macquarie Park in Windsor with an $1.8-million recreation project.

This specifically affects developable land in the North West Growth Area around Rouse Hill and Marsden Park. 

Property Council Western Sydney regional director Ross Grove said the investments were needed to unlock the potential of Western Sydney's growing communities.

“Western Sydney’s future depends on targeted infrastructure like this,” Grove said.

“These are the kinds of projects that will not only change how people live and work in Western Sydney but also secure the region’s long-term economic future.”

▲ In 2020 Liverpool City Council outlined its vision for the connection to the airport including a smart transit corridor.

The announcements coincided with the reopening of Prospect Highway this week, a $280-million jointly funded project that expanded the undivided, two-lane, 3.6km segment to six lanes.

This is expected to reduce 20-minute delays down to five minutes for motorist accessing the M4 Motorway, the Great Western Highway, Old Windsor Road and the M2 Motorway.

The new Sydney Metro line is expected to open next year in line with construction of Bradfield city’s central park ahead of the airport’s planned opening in 2026.