Builder appointed to deliver M5 Westbound Upgrade in Western Sydney

Major works will soon get underway to upgrade a section of the M5 Motorway in Sydney’s south west, with Seymour Whyte appointed to carry out the works. 

Key features of the M5 Westbound Upgrade include: 

• A new three-lane bridge over the Georges River and the Southern Sydney Freight Line, T2 and T5 railway lines, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway 

• Removal of the weave on the M5 Motorway between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway to improve safety and traffic flow for road users entering and exiting the M5 Motorway 

• Provision of extra lanes that will remove the need for around 2,600 vehicles per day to weave between lanes and other road users when navigating the entry and exit points at the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue 

• Enhancing the existing freight access to and from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal 

• Provision of a new pathway between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway for cyclists and pedestrians 

“Today’s contract signing is a major milestone that brings us one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on the infrastructure Western Sydney needs. 

“This upgrade will slash congestion and create a safer driving environment for the thousands of motorists who use this critical interchange every day. 

“The contract is signed, the builders are ready, and soon we’ll be improving connections across our region. The extra lanes will remove the need for around 3,900 vehicles per day to weave between lanes, making journeys safer and faster for families and freight operators alike,” NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

“This is fantastic news for my community in south west Sydney. For too long, locals have been stuck in traffic at this congestion pinch point, especially during afternoon peak periods. 

“This upgrade will eliminate a major bottleneck and help traffic flow along the M5, making a real difference to the daily lives of families and workers in our area. It’s great to see both levels of government working together to deliver the infrastructure we need,” Federal Member for Hughes David Moncrieff said. 

“This is great news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day. 

“The improvement in traffic flow will save commuters time and stress. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road,” Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

The existing bridge over the Georges River that connects the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue sees over 2,500 trucks each day move from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto the Sydney motorway network. 

In addition, the afternoon peak sees more congestion as cars and trucks entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue attempt to merge with traffic already on the motorway that is looking to exit at Hume Highway. The interchange is also expected to see more trucks passing as new sections of the expansive Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct become operational. 

The M5 Westbound Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $190 million. This project is also part of the ongoing Western Sydney infrastructure blitz. 

“This upgrade will ensure the conga-line of trucks coming in and out of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct can flow more freely, keeping goods moving to their destinations, while delivering real benefits for commuters during peak periods. 

“Western Sydney is growing quickly and the Albanese Government is investing over $19 billion to deliver the transport infrastructure Western Sydney needs,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“Western Sydney is the economic powerhouse of our state, and investments like this M5 upgrade ensure we’re building the infrastructure backbone to support continued growth and prosperity. 

“We’re not just building roads, we’re building opportunities for families, businesses and freight operators who depend on efficient connections across the growing region,” Acting NSW Premier Ryan Park said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine