Major works on $188m Heathcote Road upgrade in NSW now underway

Major construction on the $188 million Heathcote Road upgrade in New South Wales, which will ultimately provide motorists in South West Sydney with improved road safety as well as reduce congestion on this stretch of road. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments and it will upgrade a 2.2-kilometre section of the busy Heathcote Road. 

“Heathcote Road is a major arterial road in South West Sydney that suffers from congestion, which is why the Morrison Government has committed $94 million towards the upgrade between Infantry Parade at Holsworthy and The Avenue at Voyager Point. 

“The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia as part of our record $120 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely,” Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said. 

Heathcote Road runs from Liverpool to Heathcote and it is a major arterial road that connects Sydney’s southern suburbs to the south-west motorway network – which includes the M5 and M7 motorways. This road also serves as a key link for commuters who walk, drive or cycle to Holsworthy Train Station and the Holsworthy Army Barracks. 

“There are around 13.2 million car journeys per year along Heathcote Road and this 2.2 kilometre upgrade will create a safer, quicker and more reliable journey for everyone who uses it. 

“The location of these works is between Infantry Parade and The Avenue, which is often congested, particularly near Macarthur Drive roundabout, so it’s essential we focus on a smoother journey for motorists,” Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

The Heathcote Road upgrade is proposed to include: 

• Widening and upgrading of Heathcote Road between Infantry Road and The Avenue to a four-lane divided road 
• Upgrades to the roundabout at Heathcote Road and Macarthur Drive to a four-way intersection with traffic lights 
• Installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Heathcote Road and The Avenue 
• Replacing and duplicating the existing bridges at Harris Creek and Williams Creek 
• Duplicating the bridge at the T8 Airport railway line 
• Providing a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists along Heathcote Road, connecting Voyager Point to Holsworthy Train Station and towards Hammondville 
• Relocating utilities and building new stormwater infrastructure 
• Installation of street lighting, additional road signage, new landscaping, safety barriers and communications infrastructure 

“The 2.2 kilometre duplication – which is now underway – will help to limit disruptions during flooding events with the installation of new bridges at Williams and Harris Creeks, and also improve access for residents of Voyager Point to Holsworthy Station, with the construction of a shared pathway. These enhancements and the improved bridge over the railway line will make this a much safer and reliable road,” State Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said. 

“The duplication of Heathcote Road and the widening of the current bridge improves safety for our community. The entire corridor is vital to link those travelling from the south coast to access western Sydney,” Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said. 

“I am proud to see the NSW Government and the Morrison Government working together to deliver this important piece of infrastructure, while also recognising the cultural and heritage aspects of the area,” Federal Liberal candidate for Hughes Jenny Ware said. 

In addition to the duplication of Heathcote Road, historic artefacts will also be preserved including the sub-structure of the Harris Creek Railway Bridge that was built in 1917 by those in the World War One Holsworthy Internment Camp. 

Other works to be delivered as part of this upgrade will include the incorporation of art installations by artist Leanna Watson on the retaining wall at The Avenue to celebrate the route as an important Indigenous connection to the Georges River “where dingoes were known to raise their pups”. 

The upgrade of Heathcote Road is due to be completed in 2024. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)