Community feedback drives M12 design changes

Design changes to the future M12 Motorway, announced today, will ensure that it not only provides smooth and direct access to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, but also provides great connectivity for local communities.

The design changes will add two new

connections to the Sydney road network: one at Elizabeth Drive, near the existing Elizabeth Drive and M7 interchange, the second at the airport entry via Elizabeth Drive and the new M12 Airport Access road.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the new connections will benefit the local community through greater connectivity, improved access, and an additional toll-free option for drivers.

“Major work is expected to start in 2022 and be completed prior to the Western Sydney International Airport opening in 2026,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Construction procurement for the M12 will start soon with the release of a registration of interest.”

New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, the Hon Andrew Constance MP, said the NSW Government listened to community feedback to inform the design changes.

“The M12 is more than just a road to the airport. It’s the east-west spine for the Aerotropolis precinct that will better connect Western Sydney to the rest of the city and beyond,” Mr Constance said.

“The M12 Motorway will support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during its delivery, and provide safer and faster access to employment hubs across Western Sydney.”

New South Wales Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver massive infrastructure projects to support the new Western Sydney airport.

“The M12, combined with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the new Sydney Metro, will link residential areas with job hubs and connect travellers with the rest of Sydney,” Ms Davies said.

“The M12 will open with two lanes in each direction and be future-proofed to allow an extra lane to be added each way to cater for future growth and development.”

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said this road upgrade will unlock opportunities for local businesses.

“Improving access to the Western Sydney International Airport means our local small businesses can showcase their Aussie-made products to Australia and the world,” said Ms McIntosh.

“We’re delivering the road upgrades our community needs so they spend less time in traffic, and more time doing what matters most. It will also get people to where they are going quicker and safer.”

The additional funding for the new connections will be around $286 million, and will be jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.