The latest section of the $1.6 billion Northern Road upgrade will open to traffic this weekend after the completion of a new 1.8-kilometre stretch of road.
The upgrade between Eaton Road and Elizabeth Drive has delivered a bypass of the Luddenham Town Centre with two lanes in each direction.
Energy minister and member for Hume Angus Taylor, along with Luddenham local Wayne Wilmington, officially opened the latest section this morning.
The Northern Road full duplication expected to be open to motorists in 2022.
Federal minister for population, cities and urban infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade will boost the road’s capacity to meet increasing demand in Western Sydney.
“It’s great to see more sections opening to traffic as we get closer to the finish line on the Northern Road,” Mr Tudge said.
“As the population grows in the west, it’s critical that we continue to deliver infrastructure like the Northern Road on time.”
NSW minister for transport and roads Andrew Constance said the upgrade would provide easier, faster and safer travel for motorists travelling through Western Sydney and help support the new Western Sydney Airport.
“We are improving crucial infrastructure now ahead of the expected population and economic growth we’re going to see,” Mr Constance said.
“Importantly, bypassing Luddenham town centre helped preserve the heritage buildings and homes along with the existing Northern Road corridor, which is critical to the town’s historical character.
“This is part of our government’s commitment to build roads for Western Sydney and invest in the region’s infrastructure in advance of population growth, where a further one million people are expected to be living by 2031.”
Angus Taylor said there would also be improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists by providing a new shared path.
“This project will see improved safety for all road users by installing traffic lights at some intersections,” Mr Taylor said.
“It will also include building a central median to separate opposing traffic flows as well as providing turning lanes at some intersections.
“The upgrade will improve access, safety and travel times for road freight in Sydney’s west and south west.”
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $1.2 billion and the NSW Government $351 million.
