Innovative new designs released for Sydney’s M12 Motorway

M12, major projects, sydney,

November 7, 2021

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About M12 Motorway Project

The M12 is a new 16-kilometre dual-carriageway motorway, linking Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Western Parkland City to the Northern Road in the west, and to the M7 in the east via Elizabeth Drive.

The M12 was given the green light after receiving fast-tracked planning approval under the New South Wales Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery program. The $2 billion M12 project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and New South Wales Government on an 80:20 basis and is expected to support up to 2,400 jobs during construction.

The key features of the preferred option include:

• Motorway access via three interchanges/intersections including an interchange with the M7 Motorway; a grade separated interchange referred to as the Western Sydney Airport interchange; and a signalised intersection at The Northern Road.
• A new 16-kilometre dual-carriageway motorway between the M7 Motorway and The Northern Road, with two lanes in each direction and a central median allowing future expansion to six lanes.
• Bridge structures across Kemps Creek, South Creek, Badgerys Creek and Cosgroves Creek.
• Bridge structure across the M12 Motorway into Western Sydney Parklands.
• Widening an existing bridge across Ropes Creek and Villiers Road.
• Bridge structures at interchanges and at Clifton Avenue, Elizabeth Drive, Luddenham Road and other local roads.
• Providing active transport facilities through pedestrian/cycle bridges and an off-road shared user path including connections to existing and future shared user path networks.
• Modifying the local road network to connect across and around the M12 Motorway.

Tender submissions for two of the three sections of the M12 Motorway project closed on the 21st of October. Following a review and assessment process, construction tenders will be awarded early next year.

Innovative new design

The design concept includes landscaping ideas, innovative Aboriginal art and also shared walking and cycling paths across 81 hectares of roadside corridor from Cecil Hills to Luddenham. The centrepiece of the plan is a signature artwork inspired by the ‘Great Emu in the Sky’ constellation, which will be a major landmark for new visitors to the airport.

The Darug community helped reimagine how the green space along the M12 corridor could tell meaningful stories, with Aboriginal design agency Balarinji working with local Aboriginal artists to design the emu-inspired sculpture.

New South Wales Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, said 73,000 trees will be planted along the corridor, with the focus on species that are native to the area and propagated from local vegetation. 

“A seed collection program started mid-2020, to optimise replanting from local species along the M12 corridor. Part of this work will also see wildlife passages preserved at Cosgrove, South, Kemps and Badgerys Creeks,” Ms Davies said.

“A new shared walking and cycling path will also be a great new addition for the local community, with the path largely running along the M12 from the western end, through the Western Sydney Parklands and connecting to the M7.”

Benefits

• Direct access to Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek from the M7 Motorway and the upgraded The Northern Road
• Improved access to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the South West Growth Area
• Increased road capacity for future growth and development
• Improved traffic safety for road users
• Pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure
• Improved freight movement to key commercial centres
• Reduced congestion impact on the community and businesses by providing more capacity.

Consultation now open

The community is invited to have its say on the future look of the M12 Motorway, with public consultation now open on the toll-free motorway’s place, design and landscape plan.

The consultation period runs until November 28. For more information or to make a submission, visit nswroads.work/m12pdlp

View the media release here

Image source: © 2021 NSW Government

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