Safety on the M5 is set for a major boost, with work now underway on the $380 million M5 Westbound upgrade to eliminate dangerous weaving and deliver a smoother, more reliable journey for thousands of motorists. 

The short stretch between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway results in last-minute merging, lane switching and unpredictable delays on one of Sydney’s most important highways. 

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are changing that.

Both contributing $190 million, the jointly funded upgrade will create a safer trip for motorists travelling from southwest Sydney areas like Liverpool, Casula and Moorebank towards the Hume Highway and beyond. 

The project will separate westbound traffic from the M5 near Moorebank Avenue from traffic on Moorebank Avenue joining the M5. This will remove a major conflict point between motorists entering and exiting the M5 and minimising impact to commuters, businesses, and the community during its construction. 

The existing bridge over the Georges River, connecting the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue, carries more than 2,500 trucks a day from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto Sydney’s motorway network. 

Traffic congestion worsens during the afternoon peak, as vehicles entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue merge with traffic exiting at the Hume Highway. Truck volumes are also expected to grow as more sections of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

This outcome has been achieved through the focussed efforts of Transport for NSW and Seymour White Pty Ltd, and Jacobs working closely together to refine the design to provide a safe and cost-effective enhancement to the M5. 

The new design will see the M5 West turnoff moved immediately west of Moorebank Avenue to make navigation easier to follow and improve safety along the busy motorway. 

Instead of fighting to merge across lanes in heavy traffic, drivers will have a clear, dedicated path - cutting down sudden braking, near-misses and the frustrating stop-starting traffic conditions that builds up in the afternoon peak.

The project includes: 

• A new 300m long, three lane bridge over the Georges River and the Southern Sydney Freight Line, T2 and T5 railway lines, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Removal of the high-risk weaving section between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Provision of extra lanes that will remove the need for around 2,600 vehicles per day to weave between lanes and other road users when navigating the entry and exit points at the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue
• A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians

Major construction is now underway with Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd and Transport for NSW working closely to minimise impacts to the community, businesses and motorists. 

During construction motorists will see some changes on the road, including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures, with work carefully staged to keep traffic moving. 

For more information about the project, go to nswroads.work/m5westbound. 

Work is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King: 

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are working together to deliver the infrastructure that really matters for our growing communities. 

“This new westbound connection will simplify this busy section of the M5 through Liverpool, making it an easier and safer drive for everyone behind the wheel – especially during the afternoon peak. 

“It will also help freight move more smoothly from the Moorebank Intermodal terminal and the M5, or to the Hume Motorway without having to enter the main flow of the M5.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car: 

“For far too long families across Western Sydney has seen vital infrastructure like roads not keep pace with the growth of their communities. 

“This upgrade will give South-West Sydney residents a more direct run through one of the busiest roads in Sydney. 

“This project one of several key road upgrades the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are carrying out across the region, to ensure that Western Sydney residents can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison: 

“Anyone who drives this stretch of the M5 is no stranger to the nightmare that is peak hour traffic. When everyone is trying to move across lanes at the same time it can not only be dangerous, but inevitably slows things down creating stop-start traffic. It’s not exactly how anyone wants to start their day. 

“What this upgrade will do is take that pressure point out, giving drivers a clear run instead of forcing those last-minute merges. It means traffic can flow more smoothly and people can get through this section with a lot less stress. 

“This is an important upgrade for Western Sydney, where communities and businesses can now enjoy safer drives, less congestion, and an easier daily commute.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley: 

“Work is now underway and this is welcome news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day. 

“The additional bridge will improve traffic flow and take the stress out of driving over this part of the M5. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff: 

“Local residents in our community have been frustrated by this unsafe stretch of road for too long, especially during peak hour. This upgrade gives residents of southwestern Sydney more time with their families and less time stuck in unpredictable traffic.

“This upgrade puts an end to needing last-minute lane changes and means fewer unpredictable delays for a smoother, safer run home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda: 

“For communities like Liverpool, the M5 is part of the daily commute, but on this section in particular, safety has always been a major concern. 

“That’s why this upgrade is so important. We’re making sure Liverpool residents can get where they need to go with a clear run and confidence.”