Transport for NSW has released a series of virtual animated trips through the $4.3 billion WestConnex New M5 Tunnels project.
The video animations are designed to give drivers a chance to become familiar with the twin 9km tunnels, which will run from Kingsgrove to St Peters.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer, Howard Collins, said the new animations realistically replicated the tunnel fit-out and signage, giving motorists a helpful look at what they can expect when the motorway opens to traffic.
“We want to ensure motorists are familiar with the new entry and exit points where drivers will navigate new movements, as well as how the motorway connects to the broader road network,” Mr Collins said.
WestConnex CEO, Andrew Head, said commissioning activities are well advanced, the mechanical and electrical fit-out of the tunnels more than 90 per cent complete, and civil works almost finished.
“The tunnels are scheduled to open in the third quarter of this year, providing relief for thousands of motorists, by cutting up to half an hour from a journey between Liverpool and South Sydney,” Mr Head said.
“Work is continuing to provide vital jobs and significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors, with around 1,000 workers currently on site.
“More than 16,000 people have worked on the project to date and more than 80 per cent of contracts have been with NSW based suppliers.”
Transport for NSW WestConnex Project Director, Andrew McKindlay, said the project was part of a strategic upgrade of Sydney’s motorway network.
“The M5 East is the most congested motorway in Sydney, with around 100,000 motorists travelling on it every day,” Mr McKindlay said.
“The tunnels will double the capacity of this corridor and provide new connections to the airport, Port Botany, Alexandria, Mascot and surrounds.”
Once open, the road will take the motorway number M8, as part of the network that will eventually connect with the existing A8 road.
The driver experience animations can be viewed below, or follow this link:
