Construction commences on vital link for Sydney's west

Construction of the new $2 billion, toll-free M12 Motorway is underway with work commencing on the central and west sections to provide connectivity to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The central section between Cecil Park and Badgerys Creek is being delivered by Seymour Whyte and the western section to The Northern Road, which includes the airport interchange and Elizabeth Drive flyover, is being delivered by the joint venture of CPB and Georgiou.

To acknowledge the transformation of the Western Parkland City area, the M12 is celebrating local heritage and culture in its design.

The plan focuses on a ‘Connection to Country’ and includes a seed collection program to replant local species. There will also be a sculpture - ‘The Great Emu in the Sky’ - celebrating stories held by the Darug Community.

The project will also replace native trees on a ‘2 to 1’ basis along the motorway.

Major construction on the M12 is scheduled to be completed in 2026, prior to the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

For more information, go to nswroads.work/m12.

Editor’s note: Artist impressions and seed collection videos can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0mbfg3lbsbl525fwbp615/h?dl=0&rlkey=wtv3kc90grjzxuezxqkan5976

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“Our Government is contributing $1.6 billion towards the M12 Motorway project, which will create and support more than 2,000 jobs.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet:

“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.

“The M12 will be a game-changer for motorists in Western Sydney and better connect the region with the rest of our state.”

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

“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.

“This is a great example of good infrastructure investment creating jobs, building opportunity, and unlocking economic growth and productivity.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward:

“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 2000 and 2400 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.”