The Minns Labor Government is continuing to back Western Sydney motorists, today announcing the completion of a study of congestion hotspots across the Cumberland Local Government Area.
The traffic study, a 2023 election commitment, has analysed the impacts to local roads as a result of the opening of the M4 Widening Project.
The assessment identifies areas for further investigation for practical, high-value fixes to cut congestion, slash travel times, and improve safety throughout some of Sydney's busiest corridors.
The study identifies a suite of priority locations, with funding allocated for deeper investigation as part of the M4 Widening Road Network Performance Review Plans (RNPRP), to reduce trips through the Cumberland LGA, including:
- Enhancing traffic efficiency and capacity at major intersections with Parramatta Road including James Ruse Drive and Silverwater Road, to reduce trips through local council roads, and to increase trips on the arterial network
- Improving connectivity to the M4 Motorway to reduce traffic on Parramatta Road, particularly between Woodville Road and Silverwater Road
The need for improvements was also identified in the 12 month and five-year RNPRP, which Transport for NSW is required to undertake for each WestConnex stage.
The M4 Widening reviews analyse how the opening of WestConnex Stage 1A has affected travel behaviour, safety and intersection performance on surrounding roads.
The RNPRP also covers the M4 Motorway Coleman Street to Church Street Project, which will focus on the 2.5-kilometre eastbound stretch of the motorway before the tolled section of the motorway at Parramatta.
This is being investigated in response to an increase in crashes at the Church Street off ramp following the opening of the M4 Widening Project (Stage 1A of WestConnex) and is one of four sites in the Cumberland LGA that is recommended for improvements, the others being:
- M4 entrance / Parramatta Road / Church St / Woodville Road
- Parramatta Road / James Ruse Drive / Berry Street
- Parramatta Road / Silverwater Road / St Hilliers Road
The Church Street off-ramp is the final exit before the start of eastbound tolling and provides access to the toll-free route along Parramatta Road.
Reviews into this section of road have identified an increase in traffic volumes and safety incidents on approach to the Church Street off ramp.
A contract has been awarded for early design work to address the issues at the Church Street turn-off while a revised design has been unveiled for the Homebush Bay Drive intersection upgrade and construction work continues on the Hill Road project.
Further updates on these projects will be announced.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:
"Improving safety and easing congestion across the Cumberland area is a priority for our Government and this study gives us a strong direction for the next steps.
"We have listened to local communities, and we now have a path forward that supports safer travel, better connections and more reliable journeys for everyone who depends on these roads.
"As we move into the next stage of planning, we will continue working closely with residents, councils and transport experts to make sure the solutions deliver long-lasting benefits."
Member for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, said:
"The reintroduction of M4 tolls by the former NSW Government did not just worsen an already congested Parramatta Road. It pushed even more traffic into our local streets, creating pressure that residents see every day.
"I am pleased this traffic study, promised by the Minns Labor Government, has been completed and will be addressing the major pinch points on Parramatta Road, particularly at Silverwater Road, and deliver real relief for our local roads."
Member for Granville, Julia Finn, said:
"Granville residents live at the heart of the network, so these findings are incredibly important for our community.
"This work highlights the need to improve traffic flow, strengthen safety and support the growing demand on our local roads.
"I look forward to seeing these recommendations progressed and to continuing to advocate for improvements that make life easier for commuters across Granville and Cumberland."
