Communities will come together today for the first opportunity to see inside the new WestConnex M4 and M8 extensions before they open to traffic early next year. 

Transurban’s WestConnex Group Executive Andrew Head said the Community Open Day at St Peters, hosted by Transurban, has seen buses booked out as locals flock to get a sneak peek of the new world class 7.5km tunnels. 

“Today is an historic occasion, with local residents, commuters, business owners, families and people from across NSW joining together to find out how this new motorway link will transform how they move around our city,” Mr Head said. 

“It’s not that often we get to see inside a brand new tunnel in Sydney, and today more than 2,000 people will catch a bus underground, step out and see this incredible piece of infrastructure which will soon become an integral part of our road network. 

“COVID restrictions meant no community days were possible for the WestConnex M8 and NorthConnex, so this is a special day to share with the local community and thank them for their patience during construction. It’s also a chance to share how traffic on surface roads are expected to reduce, boosting liveability in local communities.”  

Transurban’s WestConnex Project Director Terry Chapman said the $3.2 billion tunnels would extend and connect the M4 and M8 motorways between St Peters and Haberfield for the first time, to create a 22km underground orbital of the city. 

“Drivers are expected to have safer, more reliable and faster journeys, with WestConnex slashing travel times between Parramatta and Mascot by up to 40 minutes in peak periods and bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights,” Mr Chapman said. 

“Around 12,000 people have helped build this city-shaping project, which has had safety and sustainability as key priorities ever since work started in October 2018.”

More than 18 hectares of green space is being delivered as part of WestConnex, as well as 23km of new and improved cycleways and walkways. This is in addition to planting more than a million trees, plants and shrubs, resulting in a net increase. 

The toll to use WestConnex is distance-based and capped, so you only pay for the section of motorway you use, and only up to a set amount. The toll on the M4-M8 link will be $5.65 for cars and $16.95 for heavy vehicles.  

A new WestConnex portal and interactive website has been launched by Transurban, where you can plan your journey, win a chance to be the first driver through, watch driver animations, hear from experts, learn about sustainability initiatives on the project and more.

Sydney can now experience a virtual trip through the next stage of WestConnex, with new interactive videos revealing the route inside the underground link between the M4 at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters.

The series of animated journeys released today by Transurban map out how motorists can drive through the 7.5km tunnel when it opens in early 2023.These new videos replicate the tunnel fit-out and signage, giving a realistic sneak peek at what you can expect when the motorway opens to traffic in early 2023.

WestConnex is also expected to help reduce traffic and heavy vehicles on surface roads like Parramatta Road, King Street and Sydenham Road.

The new section of motorway extends the existing M4 and M8 motorways to create a 33km traffic-light free network, including 22km of tunnels.

Andrew Head - Group Executive Transurban - WestConnex said: “This world class infrastructure will transform the way people move around Sydney, including a direct, traffic-light free trip between Parramatta and Mascot for the first time. Now is the time to find out how it could improve your journey.

“WestConnex is expected to deliver significant travel time savings, so these tools are an opportunity to work out how the new tunnel connections could benefit you. “We know from the opening of other major infrastructure, like the M8 and NorthConnex, that drivers can take time to adjust to changes on the road network. The new Plan Your Journey Tool allows you to select your preferred entry and exit
points to view and understand what that journey will look like."

“We recommend drivers use the tools like the website and driver animations, but also be aware of the alternate routes and changes in traffic conditions. Make a decision early, move into the correct lane, read the signs and drive safely.”

The videos and ‘Plan Your Journey’ online tool can be found on the WestConnex website here.

More than 11,750 people have been involved in building this critical stage of WestConnex, working for more than 12.3 million hours. 40 per cent of these workers are from Western Sydney.

From 2023, Australia’s largest Motorway Control Centre (MCC) at St Peters will streamline coordination of critical incidents and maintenance and network wide traffic monitoring , including the next stage of WestConnex, the Link Tunnels.

The recent relocation of the M5 East operations centre from Arncliffe to Australia’s largest MCC at St Peters is the first step to bringing all Traffic Control Room Operators (TCRO) under one roof.

For motorists, this means wherever you are on the network you will be supported by the combined expertise of the WestConnex managed motorway team.

For businesses and freight vehicles, this means a smoother drive and a safer, more productive journey while on the job.

TCROs are the eyes in the sky for the M4, M8 and M5 East motorway, monitoring the motorway, coordinating incident response activities 24/7 and keeping motorists safe.

As soon as an issue is detected on the network, like someone who needs help or who should not be on the motorway, TCROs can send incident response crews to the scene and help coordinate emergency services. 

Alongside a 60-panel video wall measuring 15.5m x 5.2m, motorways are monitored with roadside technology including than 1000 CCTV cameras across the network, lane-use management systems, variable speed limit signs, automatic incident, height, and occupancy detection systems.

All this is integrated into a central traffic management system that can apply traffic management plans, and in the future will be increasingly automated and coordinated with connected and automated vehicles.

The next stage of WestConnex, known as the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, will open in 2023 and provide twin 7.5km tunnels between the M4 in Haberfield and M8 in St Peters, with up to four lanes in each direction.    

It will provide a critical link in Australia’s largest road infrastructure project, the WestConnex network, to create an underground western bypass of the CBD.   

Motorists continue to benefit from further improvements to incident response coordination, reliability, and safety on the WestConnex network.

• Since Transurban began operating the M5 East in May 2020, we have invested more than $4.7 million to upgrade technology, safety equipment and maintenance facilities.
• The M5 East opened at capacity in 2001 and had the slowest typical travel times of any motorway in Sydney.  Before the corridor was upgraded, a single incident on the M5 East could add hours to travel times.
• Since the M8 opened in 2020, crashes on the M5 East have dropped by more than 40 per cent, a result of less traffic and smoother traffic flow in the tunnels.
• Incidents involving over-height vehicles entering the tunnel have dropped by almost half, meaning motorists are spending less time stuck in gridlock while the incident is cleared.

The final tunnelling breakthrough on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels project has been completed in a major construction milestone for Australia’s largest road infrastructure project. 

The third stage of WestConnex is now another step closer to forming a western bypass of the Sydney CBD, and a critical part of the plan to keep Sydney moving.  

This final breakthrough means both the north and southbound tunnels are connected for the first time, with roadheaders carving out the rock around 43 metres below ground at Leichhardt. 

This is the last of six breakthroughs this year, and 13 in total, completing a ‘missing link’ between the New M4 Tunnels at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters. 

22 of the 33 kilometres of WestConnex will be underground, including the 7.5 kilometres that make up the M4-M5 Link Tunnels. 

The milestone is an enormous credit to every one of the 9,000 workers and sub-contractors who’ve worked on the project, ensuring construction continues safely. 

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will remove tens of thousands of vehicles from surrounding streets, including Parramatta Road, and will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and the Sydney Airport. 

Tens of thousands of drivers are already enjoying the benefits of the first two stages of WestConnex, the New M4 Tunnels and M8, which have been game-changers for Sydney, easing traffic congestion and improving liveability for local communities. 

When opened to traffic in 2023, both the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and associated Rozelle Interchange will complete the WestConnex project, transforming urban travel by providing enhanced connectivity between key employment hubs and local communities. 

Air quality along the Parramatta Road corridor has improved by 10 to 15 per cent since the opening of the WestConnex New M4 Tunnels.

WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the independent scientific study shows WestConnex is boosting liveability and delivering benefits to local communities.

“These healthy air quality results are great news for residents, schools, businesses and local community members in suburbs including Ashfield, Haberfield, Burwood and Canada Bay,” Mr Head said.

“Whether your COVID-safe exercise is kicking a footy, walking the dog or doing the Bay Run, air quality is improving, strengthening communities across the Inner West.

“The new underground alternative means less stop-start congestion, reduced emissions and faster travel times, meaning more time for the things that matter.”

The results take into account reductions in traffic due to COVID restrictions and are one of the most detailed studies of air quality around tunnels in Sydney’s history. No worsening of air quality was observed at any monitoring location.

Principal Scientist for Air Quality at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Dr Ian Longley said it’s the sign of a positive long-term trend.

“The tunnel’s impact on air quality has accelerated any improvements which would be achieved with just the use of cleaner, fuel-efficient vehicles,” Dr Longley said.

“Overall, Sydney’s air quality remains good, according to comparisons by the World Health Organisation, and our air is cleaner than it was two decades ago.”

Traffic data also reveals a drop in vehicles using surface roads between Homebush and Haberfield, as drivers use the tunnel.

Since the project opened in July 2019, the number of cars and trucks using Parramatta Road daily has been slashed by around a third.

School students in Years 7 to 10 across Australia are invited to join in an exciting new art competition, launched by WestConnex as part of its public art legacy program.

The Canal to Creek Art Prize, with total prizes up to $5,000 in value, opens on 16 August and is inspired by the artworks along the WestConnex corridor between St Peters and Beverly Hills.

WestConnex director Alisa Hitchcock said entries could be paintings or sculptures and you can get involved from anywhere, including the classroom or during home schooling.

“This is an exciting opportunity for any budding young artists to get creative. For inspiration, students can explore the new Canal to Creek interactive portal and engage with the many artmaking ideas through videos, worksheets and images,” Ms Hitchcock said.

“You can then use this knowledge to create your own piece of art, using any materials, to align with the themes of ecology, community, transformation, indigenous culture or heritage.

“Each winning artwork will be framed and displayed at the state-of-the-art WestConnex M8 Motorway Control Centre, while prizes include iPads, gifts cards for art supplies or a special school workshop run by one of the talented Canal to Creek artists.”

Visual Arts and Design Educators Association of NSW Co-President Nicole DeLosa said the initiative showed public art was now more accessible than ever.

“We believe that the WestConnex Public Art Portal is one of the most innovative and exciting educational experiences we’ve seen,” Ms DeLosa said.

“The portal aligns directly to the NSW curriculum and includes worksheets, unit overviews, suggested in-class art making activities and all the information schools need.”

Entries open 9am Monday 16 August 2021 and close 5pm Friday 5 November 2021.

Canal to Creek is part of a broader commitment by WestConnex | Transurban and the NSW and Australian Governments to deliver new open space as part of this major infrastructure project.

For more information and to enter, visit canaltocreek.com.

Communities across Sydney will receive a boost thanks to the latest round of WestConnex Community Grants announced today.

The program will deliver new funding of up to $10,000 to 22 not-for profit groups and community organisations, including:

• Glebe-Leichhardt PCYC to support their indigenous youth pathways program;
• Concord Public School to install communication panels for students with autism;
• CASS Care to deliver first aid training to volunteers in suburbs across Sydney.

Other local groups in suburbs such as Tempe, Kingsgrove, Pyrmont and Strathfield have received vital support to help grow and connect programs, people and communities.

Together, the initiatives are directly benefiting more than 14,000 people and indirectly benefiting more than 41,000 people across Sydney.

A new funding round has also been confirmed for Tuesday 5 October to Monday 1 November.

WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the program supports initiatives and projects that provide positive and lasting outcomes along the motorway corridor.

“It’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of community groups receive grants, which will strengthen their communities through health, wellbeing or safety outcomes, or with initiatives focused on the environment, heritage, education or economic development,” Mr Head said.

“In just over 10 years, 40 per cent of Sydney’s population is expected to live within five kilometres of the WestConnex network, and so we’re proud to back grassroots initiatives that are making a real difference and leaving a lasting legacy.

“More than just a road, WestConnex invests in partnerships to support and strengthen communities, and in the last five years we’ve awarded almost 300 community grants, directly impacting more than 134,000 people.”

To be eligible for funding, the applicant must be a community trust, incorporated community association, not-for-profit, social enterprise, charity, Public Benevolent Institution or school, within close proximity to WestConnex.

To find out more here

A ground-breaking interactive portal inspired by the WestConnex public art program Canal to Creek will be launched by local artists and educators in Sydney today, giving students, teachers and art lovers an immersive new visual arts destination.

Member for Oatley Mark Coure MP said the portal explores one of Australia’s largest public art programs in an accessible way that ties in with the NSW school curriculum.

“These unique artworks include contemporary sculpture, artist designed playgrounds, large-scale murals and lighting installations, which will help activate the parklands around the corridor of this city-shaping infrastructure between St Peters and Beverly Hills,” Mr Coure said.

“The 360 degree portal means that with a click of a button, you can interact and engage with the art and learn directly from the artists, wherever you are. Designed for students in Years 7 to 10 and their teachers, these resources will help build a lasting community legacy.”

Visual Arts and Design Educators Association Co-President Nicole DeLosa, who launched the portal at today’s VADEA annual conference, said public art was now more accessible than ever.

“We believe the WestConnex public art portal is one of the most innovative and exciting educational experiences we’ve seen, delivering a truly relevant and unique approach to interact with these commissioned artworks in an engaging way,” Ms DeLosa said.

“Importantly, the portal aligns directly to the NSW curriculum and includes worksheets, unit overviews, suggested in-class art making activities and all the information schools need to achieve the key learning outcomes.”

Canal to Creek is named after the waterways that connect the sites, Alexandra Canal and Wolli Creek, and is part of a broader commitment by WestConnex | Transurban and the NSW and Australian Governments to deliver around 18 hectares of new open space as part of this major infrastructure project.
For more on the public art program and the resources, visit canaltocreek.com.

The community is also able to get involved by sharing and interacting via the new Canal to Creek Instagram page, which has been launched on social media this week @CanaltoCreek.

A major milestone has been reached in Australia’s largest road infrastructure project, WestConnex, with roadheaders smashing through sandstone to connect two sections of tunnel for the first time.

Today’s breakthrough connected westbound sections of the mainline tunnels between St Peters Interchange and Annandale, which is about 50 metres below Newtown.

Transport for NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Infrastructure and Place Camilla Drover said tunnelling for the twin 7.5km tunnels between the M4 corridor at Haberfield and the M5/M8 corridor at St Peters is on track to finish this year, with more than 90 per cent of the tunnels and ramps now excavated. 

“We’re another step closer to completing this crucial stage of the WestConnex project, which will link the M4 and M8 tunnels, creating an underground bypass of the Sydney CBD,” Ms Drover said.

“This is an exciting milestone for the workforce who have been tunnelling on this project for more than two years and have just 2km left to excavate.

“More than 40 per cent of the 8,000 people who have worked on this stage of the WestConnex project have been from Western Sydney, highlighting the significant contribution and expertise the local workforce is providing.”

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said Sydney drivers will soon experience the full benefits of WestConnex, with the tunnel connections to create a 33km traffic-light free trip.

“With more than 100,000 trips a day expected on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, communities above ground in Sydney’s Inner West will benefit from reduced traffic and congestion on suburban streets, returning them to local communities,” Mr Collins said.

“Drivers using the M4-M5 Link Tunnels will be able to seamlessly move between Haberfield and St Peters in around eight minutes, and a trip between Parramatta and Sydney Airport at Mascot will be slashed by up to 40 minutes.

“There have been 450 contracts signed with NSW subcontractors and suppliers to the value of more than $950 million.”

WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the M4-M5 Link Tunnels will build on the travel time savings motorists are already experiencing using WestConnex.

“With two major stages of the WestConnex motorway network now open, tens of thousands of motorists are already reaping the benefits of the enhanced motorway network which has transformed previously congested corridors, slashed travel times and improved connectivity and mobility for freight,” Mr Head said.

“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will further enhance the network providing vital connections to the rest of the WestConnex network, Rozelle Interchange and Sydney Gateway as well as future projects including the Western Harbour Tunnel, Beaches Link, and M6 Stage 1.”

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will open to traffic in 2023.

Not-for profit groups and community organisations are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of the WestConnex | Transurban Community Grant Program which supports local initiatives that benefit communities along the WestConnex corridor.

WestConnex | Transurban CEO Andrew Head said the program, which provides grants of up to $10,000, had been strongly supported and embraced by local communities.

"As we continue to build and operate WestConnex, the community grants program aims to support groups and organisations located along the project corridor to deliver projects and initiatives that provide positive and lasting outcomes for their local communities,” Mr Head said.

“Since it was first established, 275 grants have been awarded to a wide range of very worthy groups and organisations in locations from Balmain to Beverly Hills for important grassroots initiatives that have directly impacted more than 120,000 people.

“WestConnex grants have helped deliver a range of legacy projects including new STEM and sports equipment for schools, playground enhancements, education programs, facility upgrades, new facilities to assist people living with disabilities, sustainability initiatives and heritage restoration projects.

“Funding has also helped assist a variety of important social enterprises including local schools, Scouts Clubs and disability service organisations.

We’re inviting local not-for-profit groups such as schools, sporting clubs and social enterprises with a strong community focus to get their grant application in early.

“The feedback received from the groups we've assisted has been overwhelmingly positive and the application process is simple and can be completed online.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with and assisting more local organisations this year.”

Applications for the Community Grant Program are now open until 3pm on Friday 30 April 2021.
For more information on the Community Grants Program including eligibility criteria and to apply, visit www.westconnex.com.au/community/community-grant-program.