Work on the new M4 tunnels from Homebush to Haberfield is almost complete, with the project set to open in four months.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new 5.5 kilometer long M4 tunnels will allow drivers from Western Sydney to bypass a significant section of stop-start traffic on Parramatta Road.
Instead drivers will connect directly onto the City West Link, which Ms. Berejiklian said should take an estimated 10,000 trucks off Parramatta road each day.
“Within two years, around 67,000 trips are expected in the M4 tunnels every day, and this is still just the first stage of WestConnex,” Ms. Berejiklian said.
“Today we’ve seen first-hand that the tunnelling and road pavement for the long promised project has been completed. We are on the home straight for the new M4 tunnels, with fit-out of the tunnels now underway.”
Ms. Berejiklian said WestConnex will link Sydney’s west and southwest with the city, airport and port precinct with more than 30 kilometres of continuous motorway.
Upon completion, WestConnex will provide a bypass of up to 52 sets of traffic lights.
“Once all of WestConnex is complete in 2023, drivers will be able to get from Penrith to the Anzac Bridge without having to stop at a single traffic light, and travel times from Parramatta to Sydney Airport will fall by up to 40 minutes,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Traffic volumes on sections of Parramatta Road will also be reduced by more than 50 per cent.”
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance thanked the communities of the Inner West for their patience while the work was undertaken.
“We appreciate the delivery of city-shaping infrastructure takes time, and it isn’t easy on those who live nearby,” Mr. Constance said.
“I look forward to the new M4 tunnels opening soon and taking thousands of vehicles off local roads.”
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