Planned improvements

M4 East extension

An extension of the M4 Motorway remains a NSW Government priority. In 2008, a submission was made to Infrastructure Australia for federal funding. The project was one of 30 shortlisted for further consideration by Infrastructure Australia.

Why build an extension?

Over the next 15 years Sydney’s population is expected to grow by one million and freight movements are forecast to double. Growth in population and employment is placing increasing demands on Sydney’s road and rail networks.

An extension of the M4 Motorway would:

• Support economic growth by enhancing the strategic road network between Sydney’s west, the CBD, Port Botany and Sydney Airport.
• Provide an alternative high quality route to the heavily utilised M5 Motorway, M5 East and Eastern Distributor.
• Improve travel times, reliability and safety for local and regional traffic.
• Support urban renewal and population growth by improving the living amenity in Sydney’s inner west and south.
• Provide opportunities to improve bus services both along and across key corridors in Sydney’s inner-west and south.
• Provide for the forecast high growth in freight transported by heavy and commercial vehicles.
• Provide new opportunities on surface roads and surrounding suburbs for urban improvements, including enhanced cycleways.

What is the proposed extension?

The M4 Motorway currently stops at North Strathfield in Sydney's west. Preliminary investigations for three proposed tunnels have been undertaken to help the NSW Government hold discussions with Infrastructure Australia. These are:

• North Strathfield to the Anzac Bridge.
• North Strathfield to Port Botany and Sydney Airport.
• North Strathfield to Victoria Road east of Gladesville Bridge.

What about community consultation?

The proposed tunnels have not yet been discussed with the community. Should the government proceed with planning for this project, community consultation would commence. Community engagement in the planning process would assist with the identification and development of the preferred project, including how to mitigate impacts.

Background

In July 2002, the State Government announced it would investigate building an M4 East Motorway to connect the M4 Motorway at North Strathfield with Parramatta Road and the City West Link.

In December 2003, three route options, including a favoured option of a 3.6 kilometre tunnel, were released. In June 2004, in response to community comment, this preferred option was lengthened by almost a kilometre.

In early 2005 the State Government undertook to reassess the delivery of the M4 East in the context of the Government’s Metropolitan Strategy  Firstly, the development of the link needs to be considered in light of the Port Botany expansion and the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry into the port.  Secondly, it needs to be considered in light of growth in western Sydney.  Finally, it needs to be considered in light of the Working with Government Guidelines.