Plans to future-proof M7 & M12 motorways in NSW secures approval

The New South Wales Government is pushing ahead with future-proofing the M7 and M12 motorways as it approves project plans that will deliver a major boost to the Western Sydney road network. 

In addition, WSO Co was also appointed to undertake the proposed works in December 2022. The WSO Co joint venture is comprised of John Holland, Transurban Group, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and QIC Private Capital on behalf of its managed funds and clients. 

John Holland has also announced that the company has been chosen as the preferred design and construction contractor on behalf of WSO Co. 

“This is an important project for a rapidly growing part of Sydney, and we’re thrilled to be working with the WSO Co joint venture to bring its vision to life. 

“The benefits of this project are clear – less congestion for motorists, a critical new connection to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Airport, and of course thousands of jobs created during construction,” John Holland CEO Joe Barr said. 

John Holland, along with its joint venture partners, will soon begin design work on the project. 

The State Government has given stage three approval to the M7 Widening and M7-M12 Interchange Project. 

The M7 Motorway Widening project will deliver additional lanes in both directions on a 26-kilometre section of the motorway between the M5 interchange at Prestons to Richmond Road at Oakhurst/Glendenning. 

A new interchange between the M7 and M12 motorways will also be built, and Elizabeth Drive will be upgraded as well to connect it to the M12. 

“The M7 will be widened to six lanes between Prestons and Oakhurst, meaning drivers will be able to travel along this major Western Sydney road more quickly and safely, benefitting both commuters and business that rely on this key freight route. 

“The project will also include integrate the M7 with the new M12, a 16-kilometre-long toll-free motorway that will connect to the new Western Sydney Airport and Western Parkland City. 

“This will support workers and families across Western Sydney by cutting travel times and improving access to industrial hubs including Bradfield,” Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said. 

The agreement is still subject to final planning approval. There will also be no changes to toll prices on the M7. 

The $2 billion M12 Motorway project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, and it is anticipated to open to traffic in 2026. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3); John Holland; Roads & Infrastructure Australia