JV wins design and construct contract for Sydney's Gateway motorway

Proposed routes shown, subject to change courtesy of Seymour Whyte.

A Joint Venture has won the design and construct contract for Sydney’s Gateway motorway, for which the NSW Government will invest up to $2.6 billion.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be created on the project that is set to connect, Sydney Airport, Port Botany and the WestConnex.

Transport for NSW awarded the design and construction contract to the John Holland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture following the planning approvals from all levels of government.

John Holland CEO Joe Barr said Sydney Gateway will support up to 4,000 jobs and cut travel times for commuters using Sydney roads – with a capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day.

“This is a transformative project for Sydney, cutting up to 40 minutes of travel time for motorists from Parramatta to the Airport, returning local roads to local communities,” Barr said.

“We are proud to be trusted with this project, and will draw upon our experience delivering the New M4 East to ensure this motorway meets the expectations of commuters and communities. We are excited to be improving pedestrian and cycling links as part of this project, enhancing community space while delivering this vital motorway link.”

Seymour Whyte Managing Director and CEO John Kirkwood said the company is delighted to continue its working relationship with John Holland and the NSW Government; and to be awarded the Sydney Gateway contract to improve connectivity for motorists and active transport users.

“This critical motorway link will make Sydney more connected than ever before. We are proud to be part of this project that will be the gateway to the city for residents and visitors,” Kirkwood said.

“This award demonstrates the civil engineering and technical ingenuity within our joint venture partnership. Together, we draw on our combined proven capability to efficiently deliver major infrastructure projects for an integrated road and public transport network.”

He said Seymour Whyte are committed to working closely with local suppliers, local communities and the government to deliver this important project safely and efficiently.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the toll-free Sydney Gateway connects the WestConnex St Peters Interchange, where the M4 and M8 will meet, to the Airport and Port Botany Precinct with the capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day and will be a game changer.

“The NSW Government is investing up to $2.6 billion into this project, which is one of the missing pieces in Sydney’s motorway network,” Berejiklian said.

“As well as providing safer and more reliable journeys, Sydney Gateway will also deliver a significant employment and economic boost, supporting 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.”

She said this project will be an essential part of the plant to support the long term economic growth of Sydney’s airport and port.

NSW Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said early work is expected to start within months.

“The project, with the wider network, will allow motorists to bypass 26 sets of traffic lights between Parramatta and Sydney Airport’s Domestic terminal,” Constance said.

“The direct, efficient and safe route means we are also expecting Sydney Gateway to be used by half of all trucks travelling to Port Botany by 2026, handing Mascot streets back to the local community.”

Time savings enabled by the project are expected to be significant, saving up to 30 minutes from the Inner West to the International Airport, 22 minutes from Bankstown to the Domestic Airport, 30 minutes from Silverwater Bay to Port Botany and 40 minutes from Parramatta to the Domestic Airport.

Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Geoff Culbert said in what has been the worst year ever for aviation, the progress on Sydney Gateway is a real positive.

“This visionary project will be a game-changer for access to the airport, will generate much-needed jobs and, importantly, will benefit our community by giving local roads back to local residents.”

Following community engagement a shared cycling and pedestrian path will also be constructed, linking the Alexandra Canal and the domestic terminals.