The NSW Government has announced the completion of a study of congestion hotspots across the Cumberland Local Government Area.
The traffic study, a 2023 election commitment, analysed the impacts to local roads as a result of the opening of the M4 Widening Project.
The Government says the assessment identified 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.
“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,” said Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
“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.”
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.
