An extension of the M4 Motorway remains a NSW Government priority. A submission was made to Infrastructure Australia for federal funding in 2008. The project was one of 30 shortlisted for further consideration by Infrastructure Australia.
Over the next 15 years Sydney’s population is expected to grow by 1 million people and freight movements will double. The 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, 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.
The M4 motorway currently stops at North Strathfield in Sydney's west. Preliminary investigations to help the NSW Government hold discussions with Infrastructure Australia are for three tunnels.
- North Strathfield to the Anzac Bridge
- North Strathfield to Port Botany and Sydney Airport
- North Strathfield to Victoria Road east of Gladesville Bridge
These routes have not yet been discussed withthe 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 the 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.
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. It also needs to be considered in light of growth in Western Sydney.
Finally, it would need to be considered in light of the Working with Government Guidelines.
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