Construction now underway on $2bn M12 Motorway in NSW

The $2 billion M12 Motorway in New South Wales is now under construction, with works beginning on the central and west sections of the project. This follows the announcement of the preferred contractors for both sections earlier this year. 

“Today marks a major milestone in the delivery of another critical piece of infrastructure for Western Sydney. 

“After significant planning and preparation work, major construction is now underway on this vital new road link in Western Sydney. 

“Once complete, the M12 will provide an east-west link between the M7 Motorway at Cecil Hills and The Northern Road at Luddenham, as well as access to the future Western Sydney International Airport,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said. 

Seymour Whyte will be undertaking works on the central section between Cecil Park and Badgerys Creek while the CPB-Georgiou joint venture will carry out the works on the western section that will run to The Northern Road, including the airport interchange and Elizabeth Drive flyover. 

North east over Airport Interchange (source: NSW Government - M12 Motorway)

The overall design of the M12 Motorway incorporates local heritage and culture, acknowledging the transformation of the Western Parkland City area. 

The project plan is focusing on ‘Connection to Country’ and it will involve a seed collection program to replant local plant species. A sculpture called ‘The Great Emu in the Sky’ is also going to be put up to celebrate stories held by the Darug Community. 

“The M12 will be a major addition to Sydney’s road network. By 2036 it is expected to be used by up to 52,000 vehicles a day, saving motorists up to 16 minutes’ travel time between the new airport and M7. 

“The project will also deliver significant benefits during construction, generating between 2,000 and 2,400 direct and indirect jobs with specific targets for apprentices and women in the workforce. 

“The NSW Government is investing record funding in major road upgrades across Western Sydney to ensure commuters can move around efficiently and safely, spending less time in traffic and more time doing the things that matter to them most,” NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said. 

This multi-billion-dollar project will also include replacing native trees on a ‘2 to 1’ basis along the motorway. 

Key features of the M12 Motorway include: 

• An east-west 16-kilometre motorway between the M7 Motorway, Cecil Hills and The Northern Road, Luddenham 
• A motorway built for four lanes (with provision for up to six lanes) with a median to separate opposing traffic flows 
• A direct connection to Western Sydney International Airport 
• A new connection to The Northern Road with traffic lights 
• A motorway-to-motorway interchange at the M7 Motorway 
• Provision for a future interchange connecting Mamre Road and Devonshire Road at the M12 Motorway 

“Once complete, the M12 will provide a new east-west cross link, as well as access to the future Western Sydney International Airport. 

“As well as providing new transport options, the project will help open up our suburbs and provide opportunities to create new local jobs and encourage economic growth in Western Sydney,” Prime Minister Athony Albanese said. 

Shared user path east along the motorway (source: NSW Government - M12 Motorway)

This project is being delivered as part of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan (WSIP) which is a joint initiative between the Australian and State Governments to fund a $4.4 billion road and transport program for Western Sydney. 

The M12 Motorway is anticipated to open to traffic in 2026, ahead of the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport. 

“The M12 Motorway is a key part of the Australian and NSW governments’ vision for Western Sydney infrastructure. 

“This is an investment in quicker and more reliable trips for motorists and freight operators in an economically critical part of the state and the country. 

“This project is critical to providing a high-standard and efficient connection to Western Sydney Airport for many years to come,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

While works are being delivered on the central and west sections, the final stage of the design for the Elizabeth Drive Connection is progressing and will be completed by late 2022. This is part of the east section which will extend from Duff Road, Cecil Park to the M7 Motorway and will include an interchange with the M12 and Westlink M7 as well as connection with Elizabeth Drive. 

Early utility works are already being carried out to prepare for major construction to begin in the future. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW; Fully Loaded; Inside Construction