Major construction begins on $380m M5 Westbound Upgrade

The $380 million M5 Westbound Upgrade in New South Wales is now underway to deliver a smoother, more reliable journey and eliminate dangerous weaving for the thousands of motorists using this route.

With this project, the Minns and Albanese Governments are changing how people travel on the short stretch of road between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway where last-minute merging, lane switching and unpredictable delays happen on one of Sydney’s most important highways.

The two levels of government are equally contributing $190 million towards the M5 Westbound Upgrade, which will create a safer trip for motorists travelling from southwest Sydney areas like Liverpool, Casula and Moorebank towards the Hume Highway and beyond.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are working together to deliver the infrastructure that really matters for our growing communities.

“This new westbound connection will simplify this busy section of the M5 through Liverpool, making it an easier and safer drive for everyone behind the wheel – especially during the afternoon peak.

“It will also help freight move more smoothly from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal and the M5, or to the Hume Highway without having to enter the main flow of the M5,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

“For far too long families across Western Sydney has seen vital infrastructure like roads not keep pace with the growth of their communities.

“This upgrade will give South-West Sydney residents a more direct run through one of the busiest roads in Sydney.

“This project is one of several key road upgrades the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are carrying out across the region, to ensure that Western Sydney residents can spend less time on the road and more time with their families,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said.

The upgrade will separate westbound traffic from the M5 near Moorebank Avenue from traffic on Moorebank Avenue joining the M5, removing a major conflict point between motorists entering and exiting the M5 while also minimising impact to commuters, businesses, and the community during construction.

The M5 Westbound Upgrade will include:

• A new 300-metre-long, 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 high-risk weaving section between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• 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
• A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians

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

Moreover, traffic congestion worsens during the afternoon peak as vehicles entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue merge with traffic exiting at the Hume Highway. Truck volumes are also anticipated to increase as more sections of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

“Anyone who drives this stretch of the M5 is no stranger to the nightmare that is peak hour traffic. When everyone is trying to move across lanes at the same time it can not only be dangerous, but inevitably slows things down creating stop-start traffic. It’s not exactly how anyone wants to start their day.

“What this upgrade will so is take that pressure point out, giving drivers a clear run instead of forcing those last-minute merges. It means traffic can flow more smoothly and people can get through this section with a lot less stress.

“This is an important upgrade for Western Sydney, where communities and businesses can now enjoy safer drives, less congestion, and an easier daily commute,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

“Work is now underway and this is welcome news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day.

“The additional bridge will improve traffic flow and take the stress out of driving over this part of the M5. I look forward to the completion of this long-awaited and necessary section of road,” Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said.

The new design of the M5 Westbound Upgrade is the result of the focussed efforts of Transport for NSW and Seymour Whyte Pty Ltd, and Jacobs working closely together to refine the design to provide a safe and cost-effective enhancement to the M5.

This new design will see the M5 turnoff moved immediately west of Moorebank Avenue to make navigation easier to follow and improve safety along this busy motorway.

Once the upgrade is completed, drivers will have a clear, dedicated path instead of fighting to merge across lanes in heavy traffic – slashing sudden braking, near-misses and the frustrating stop-start traffic conditions that builds up during the afternoon peak.

Major construction is now underway, and Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd alongside Transport for NSW will work closely to minimise impacts on the community, businesses and motorists.

The M5 Westbound Upgrade is due to be completed in 2029.

“Local residents in our community have been frustrated by this unsafe stretch of road for too long, especially during peak hour. This upgrade gives residents of southwestern Sydney more time with their families and less time stuck in unpredictable traffic.

“This upgrade puts an end to needing last-minute lane changes and means fewer unpredictable delays for a smoother, safer run home,” Federal Member for Hughes David Moncrieff said.

“For communities like Liverpool, the M5 is part of the daily commute, but on this section in particular, safety has always been a major concern.

“That’s why this upgrade is so important. We’re making sure Liverpool residents can get where they need to go with a clear run and confidence,” Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said.

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