NSW, Canberra to spend $380m on keeping freight moving by upgrading Sydney’s M5 motorway

NSW’s $380 million upgrade of southwest Sydney’s M5 motorway is expected to help ease traffic congestion over the Georges River.

And news of the project contract signing has been welcomed by the property industry.

The federal-state co-funded project (50-50 split) involves a new three-lane toll-free bridge over the Georges River and rail lines at Liverpool, and upgrading links between the M5, Moorebank Avenue and Hume Highway.

The NSW Government says work will include the removal of the weave on the M5 between Moorebank Ave and the Hume to improve safety and traffic flow for cars entering and exiting the motorway.

A new underpass will be built at Moorebank Avenue which links the M5 westbound to the Hume, and the intersection between the M5 and Moorebank Ave will be upgraded.

The government says that presently more than 2500 trucks use the Georges River Bridge every day as they head out from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct into Sydney’s motorways.

This results in afternoon peak traffic banking up as westbound cars and trucks entering the M5 at Moorebank Avenue merge with motorway traffic that is looking to exit onto the Hume.

WHAT DOES INTERMODAL MEAN?

Intermodal transportation refers to the movement of the
same cargo container by different modes (rail, ship and truck).

Government warns that truck numbers on the interchange are expected to increase as new sections of the Moorebank terminal precinct opens.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King predicts the upgrade “will ensure the conga-line of trucks coming in and out of the Moorebank precinct can flow more freely”.

Acting NSW Premier Ryan Park says projects like the M5 upgrade will ensure they have the “infrastructure backbone” to support continual growth.

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says the extra lanes will remove the need for around 3900 vehicles a day from having to weave between lanes.

MPS REACT TO THE SIGNING

MP Hughes David Moncrieff says that the contract signing on Wednesday is “fantastic news”.

“For too long, locals have been stuck in traffic at this congestion pinch point, especially during afternoon peak periods,” he says.

MP for Werriwa Anne Stanley says it is also “great news” for residents of Werriwa.

INDUSTRY GROUPS WELCOME NEWS

Property Council of Australia’s Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove says the project is a long-awaited step.

“With the (new Western Sydney International) airport opening next year, the M5 will become a critical connection point,” he points out.

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue chairman Christopher Brown says the project recognises the importance of the national intermodal precinct at Moorebank.

“The Intermodal at Moorebank is one of the key international gateways that is driving the growth of Greater Western Sydney that is forgotten too often,” he says.

“It is great to see the northern end of M5 get the funding it needs. We look forward to seeing further investigation of future improvements to the southern end as well.

“With significant residential development on the way and major funding flowing for the M7 project, it’s time to address the southern end of the M5 so the communities of Wollondilly, Camden and Campbelltown can benefit.”