The Environmental Impact statement for the WestConnex M4-M5 Link has been released.
Minister for WestConnex, Stuart Ayres, said, “The M4-M5 Link is the most important part of WestConnex, finally linking Sydney’s busiest motorways and removing traffic from local streets to seamless underground tunnels by 2023.
“The final stage of WestConnex is set to offer massive benefits to the community beyond a non-stop underground western bypass of Sydney’s CBD, including new recreational open space, new shared paths and improved connectivity.
“The first 7.5km of WestConnex is already delivering massive travel savings with plenty more to come as tunnelling passed the 70 per cent mark on the new M4 tunnels and almost two kilometres on the new M5 tunnels.
“The M4-M5 Link will greatly increase capacity and move thousands of vehicles from local roads underground, improving safety and amenity.
“We are building smarter, better roads, utilising the latest technology which for the first time in history will truly integrate Sydney’s transport network and deliver a new standard of travel.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher, said WestConnex is a key part of the Australian and New South Wales Governments’ plans to deliver major infrastructure projects to keep Sydney moving and create thousands of jobs.
“Sydney’s population is forecast to grow by 1.6 million people by 2031, and without projects like the WestConnex M4-M5 Link we simply won’t be able to move freight and people around this great city,” Mr Fletcher said
“This essential piece of infrastructure will form the central corridor of Sydney’s future road network by connecting to projects like the Western Harbour Tunnel, reducing congestion on local roads and improving the liveability of inner west communities.”
The NSW Government has confirmed it will pursue the sale of a 51 per cent stake in Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC) to help fund the M4-M5 Link project.
Feedback to the Environmental Impact Statement is invited at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au by Monday 16 October 2017.
Construction on the M4-M5 Link is expected to start in 2018 and finish in 2023.
