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Sydneys M5 upgrade nears

M5 motorway revamp a step closer with revelation of a new traffic easing design in NSW

One of Sydney’s most congested motorways is set for an overhaul and should improve travel times for bus operators in Sydney’s west once complete.

The twin tunnel design for a new improved M5 that promises to more than double capacity on the M5 east corridor was released this week.

NSW minister for roads Duncan Gay says the preferred design for the New M5 is an exciting step forward in the process and delivering relief on the busy motorway is now a decade overdue.

“Congestion is costing Sydney $5 billion annually in time delays and lost productivity, meaning people are spending less time being productive at work or at home with their families,” he says.

“We need to keep Sydney moving as our population grows.”

With the new design, motorists driving from south-western Sydney will be able to use the new M5, which will feature twin tunnels, to access suburbs north of the airport such as Marrickville and Alexandria.

“The new M5 will be delivered to motorists up to 18 months sooner thanks to the Australian Government’s concessional loan of up to $2 billion,” Gay says.

The recently widened M5 west is helping ease traffic, but Gay says traffic becomes much worse when motorists reach the existing M5 east tunnel.

“I’m committed to completing the missing link between the M5 and M4, delivering on our promise to get Sydney motorists home to their families sooner.

“When WestConnex is completed, traffic currently rat running on residential streets will be able to access a continuous free flowing motorway.”

Traffic problems on the M5 is also clogging side streets, as motorist attempt to zig-zag their way through local roads, which is affecting local businesses.

“This will ensure people who want to use local streets to access local businesses like cafes, restaurants and shops will,” Gay says.

The Leighton-Dragados-Samsung joint venture has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the new M5.

Work on the new M5 will start mid next year, subject to planning approval, with the tunnel due to open to traffic in 2019.

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