Design work is set to begin on the now funded $1 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue, a key part of the outer South West Sydney road network.
The State Government has awarded a contract for concept design to WSP, a major step forward in this precinct shaping project, which will be an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport precinct.
The government can also share with the community for the first time the proposed scope of the long-awaited upgrade.
Key features of the design will be:
- A four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction
- New active transport connections and pedestrian paths
- New signalised intersections, including one at Second Avenue, with dedicated turning lanes making it safer for locals
- A land reservation for future expansion, including for a dedicated bus transitway to support future rapid bus services from Liverpool to the Bradfield City Centre and new airport
The land reservation and future rezoning will ensure that new buildings can no longer be built in the future corridor of this arterial route.
Transport for NSW will also begin the process of engaging with property owners about land needed for the upgrade and future expansion.
Whilst there is still some way to go on the design, these discussions are starting early to help provide a level of certainty for affected property owners and ensure the project can be delivered as rapidly as possible.
To ensure construction can commence as soon as possible, the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade will be delivered in a number of stages.
Stage one will be completed in three sections, the first involving duplication between Second Avenue and Cowpasture Road, ahead of works moving onto the second section between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue.
The third section of stage one will involve duplication between Fourth Avenue and Devonshire Road, while future stages will include the full connection through to the Bradfield City Centre and Aerotropolis precinct, and delivery of the dedicated bus transitway.
This staged approach will help to ensure the fastest and most cost effective delivery of this long overdue upgrade.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced a $1 billion injection to expedite this project earlier this year. The NSW Government has expedited the design and planning processes so the project can go to construction tender in 2026, ahead of major construction commencing in 2027.
“This is welcome news for our community. Fifteenth Avenue is a vital corridor for South West Sydney – especially with the new airport and Bradfield City Centre on the way. This announcement gives locals much-needed certainty about what’s next,’’ said State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty.
“Once complete, the upgrade will ease congestion, improve travel times and reliability for cars, trucks and buses, and make it safer for people walking or using public transport.’’
Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said the Albanese Government recognises the importance of investing in South West Sydney.
“Projects like Fifteenth Avenue, Westlink M7, and the Western Sydney International Airport, will support growth and jobs in Western Sydney,’’ Ms Stanley said.
Mr Hagarty and Anne Stanley joined NSW minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison for the design announcement (pictured below).
