New driver animations - As work ramps up on New M5 Tunnels
03 Jun 2020
Motorists can now take a virtual trip through the WestConnex New M5 Tunnels, with a series of animated journeys to showcase the $4.3 billion project.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the video animations will give drivers a chance to become familiar with the twin nine kilometre tunnels, which will run from Kingsgrove to St Peters.
“Motorists can now take a trip without leaving their home, with new animations realistically replicating the tunnel fit-out and signage, giving motorists a helpful sneak peek at what they can expect when the motorway opens to traffic,” Mr Collins said. “We want to ensure motorists are familiar with the new entry and exit points where drivers will navigate new movements, as well as how the motorway connects to the broader road network.”
WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said commissioning activities are well advanced, the mechanical and electrical fit-out of the tunnels more than 90 per cent complete, and civil works almost finished.
“The tunnels are scheduled to open in the third quarter of this year, providing relief for thousands of motorists, by cutting up to half an hour from a journey between Liverpool and South Sydney,” Mr Head said.
“Work is continuing to provide vital jobs and significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors, with around 1,000 workers currently on site.
“More than 16,000 people have worked on the project to date and more than 80 per cent of contracts have been with NSW based suppliers.”
Transport for NSW WestConnex Project Director Andrew McKindlay said it's part of a strategic upgrade of Sydney's motorway network.
“The M5 East is the most congested motorway in Sydney, with around 100,000 motorists travelling on it every day,” Mr McKindlay said. “The tunnels will double the capacity of this corridor and provide new connections to the airport, Port Botany, Alexandria, Mascot and surrounds.”
Once open, the road will take the motorway number M8, as part of the network that will eventually connect with the existing A8 road. The driver experience animations can be viewed here.
