Work on the M5 motorway in NSW will begin next month to build an additional lane in each direction
June 26, 2012
The upgrade to the M5 motorway in Sydney will begin next month to build an additional lane in each direction to cope with growing traffic levels.
The NSW Government says work will get underway in July after the Roads and Maritime Services and Interlink Roads finalised contracts for the project to go ahead.
The road will be widened from Camden Valley Way at Prestons to King Georges Road at Beverly Hills. The widening project will also resurface the entire road providing motorists with a smoother and quieter journey.
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay says the additional lanes will reduce travel times during the morning and evening peak periods.
He says the widening will deliver travel time savings of up to 12 minutes along the length of the motorway heading west in the evening peak.
The government expects the majority of motorists who use the motorway for shorter trips, such as those getting off at Fairford Road, will cut as much as 10 minutes off their trips when heading east in the morning.
The project is due for completion towards the end of 2014, weather permitting. Interlink Roads will bear the most of the $400 million in costs, with $50 million coming from the NSW Government.
Meanwhile, the RMS will partner with Thiess to complete the Shortland to Sandgate section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. The project was formerly contracted to Reed Constructions before the firm went into administration.
“It is encouraging to see work restarting so we can put an end to the disruption and impact on the community and residents,” Gay says.
The RMS ended its contractual arrangements with Reed Constructions on May 28 for projects across NSW after Reed stopped work due to financial difficulties.
