Designs for Sydney’s M4 East tunnels, under Parramatta Road, have been released.
The plans for the first underground construction phase of the WestConnex project were released by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Jamie Briggs and NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay last week.
Motorists driving from Western Sydney will have the option to enter a tunnel east of Homebush Bay Drive emerging near the Bunnings Warehouse on Parramatta Road or on Wattle Street at Haberfield.
The design also includes entry and exit points for the twin tunnels at Concord Road, North Strathfield, allowing local traffic to access the motorway.
Mr. Briggs said Sydney needs and deserves a world-class motorway to help unclog traffic congestion and support jobs and economic growth.
“Traffic congestion is currently costing Sydney $5 billion each year in time delays and lost productivity, meaning people are spending less time being productive at work or at home with their families,” he said.
“If we do nothing, this cost will grow to $8 billion each year by 2020—a totally unacceptable situation for Australia’s largest city.”
After a five-month tender assessment process, the consortium chosen to build the M4 East twin tunnels and related connections includes Leighton Contractors, Samsung C&T and John Holland.
Widening of the M4 between Parramatta and Homebush is currently underway, with construction on the new M4 East expected to commence mid next year. The preferred M4 East design is subject to planning approval with the project due for completion by 2019.