After a decade of neglect, the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are building better communities in Western Sydney with design work set to begin on the now funded $1 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney's growing south-west.
The 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
Concept images, a fly-through video and renders can be viewed here.
The land reservation and future rezoning will ensure that new buildings can no longer be built in the future corridor of this arterial route, after the previous Liberal State and Federal Governments failed to protect the corridor needed for this upgrade, nor allocate any funding for its design and delivery.
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.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"This is an important announcement that indicates the path forward for this essential project.
"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. This is good planning unlike the previous government that failed to protect the corridor to enable road widening."
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.
"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."
State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:
"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.
"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.
"Once complete the upgrade will reduce congestion for cars, trucks and buses, improve journey times and journey time reliability, as well as improving safety for people walking, catching public transport and riding bikes."
