Transport for NSW has confirmed the preferred corridor option for the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage Two – Appin Road connection, as identifying the route is critical to ensuring key transport links are available to Greater Macarthur.
The route, between the Hume Motorway and Appin Road, was decided after consultation with the public, and will connect Greater Macarthur to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
A Transport for NSW Spokesperson said the preferred ‘Blue’ option was selected following extensive public consultation between November 2020 and January 2021, with the community asked to provide feedback on two proposed corridor options (yellow and blue).
The Blue Option extends from the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage 1 corridor at the Hume Motorway, crossing the Nepean River. It then curves south following the bush line at West Appin, before passing south of Appin township and connecting with Appin Road.
Key features of the route:
- Avoids Appin township
- Largely avoids native vegetation, apart from minor impacts near the Nepean River and Elladale Creek
- Could serve as an opportunity to protect Elladale Creek koala habitat from human access
- Crosses the Upper Canal (state heritage) and Windmill Hill Group (state heritage)
- Avoids a site of Aboriginal cultural significance
The spokesperson said, “Greater Macarthur is a growing area, and it is vital for good planning and providing convenient connections for the community that we know where transport links will be located in future.
“I want to thank the community for their strong interest in the process. We received nearly 300 submissions and it was clear which option the majority supported.
“We’ve listened to this community feedback and the Blue option has been selected as it provides the best outcomes for the community, has fewer impacts and performs well environmentally.
“As a result of feedback received, the design was amended to further reduce impacts including moving the alignment to better protect and preserve koala habitat and move a bridge crossing to avoid a site of Aboriginal cultural significance.”
The proposed road will provide a number of benefits including supporting urban development, providing more transport options across Greater Macarthur and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions, and enabling freight to move around more efficiently and safely.
Transport for NSW will progress the preferred corridor section into the next phase of planning for the region.
The ‘Blue’ alignment will be included in the work the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is undertaking to finalise the future road network and its plans for the Greater Macarthur Growth Area.
For more detailed information on the preferred corridor, and to view the community consultation report, visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/corridors/oso2
