The New South Wales and federal governments are set to deliver a joint $1 billion upgrade package for an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport.
Design work is underway for the upgrades to Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney’s south-west, with a contract awarded to WSP.
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Key features of the upgrades will include a new four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction, new signalised intersections and dedicated turning lanes, and a land reservation for future expansion.
“This is an important announcement that indicates the path forward for this essential project,” says state roads minister Jenny Aitchison.
“We know the local community is experiencing congestion and delays along Fifteenth Avenue and the surrounding roads, with typical average speeds in the peak times around 30 kilometres per hour. This is why we are starting works early and phasing our delivery to focus on the worst pinch points first.
“Traffic counts in 2023 show around 22,000 vehicles use this section of road every day. That number is projected to almost double to 42,000 vehicles by 2036 especially as Bradfield and Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport develop.
“I am pleased that a land reservation included for public transport so that as our area grows, the transport facilities are planned for within the corridor.”
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.
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.
Transport for NSW believes that the staged approach will result in the fastest and most effective delivery of the road upgrades.
“The Albanese Government recognises the importance of investing in South West Sydney,” says federal member for Werriwa Anne Stanley.
“Projects like Fifteenth Avenue, Westlink M7, and the Western Sydney International Airport, will support growth and jobs in Western Sydney. These early works mark the beginning of the upgrade. We expect to see major construction work begin in 2027.
“Over the coming months, consultation with the community will inform planning and design before exhibition in 2026.”
The design and planning processes are expected to allow the project to go to construction tender in 2026, with major construction to commence in 2027.
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