14 January 2016

Work on the $1.6 billion The Northern Road upgrade is moving ahead quickly with three contractors shortlisted to submit a tender to design and build The Northern Road Stage 3 between Penrith and Glenmore Park.

“The Northern Road upgrade is a key project in the Australian and NSW government’s $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan to provide essential road improvements for one of Australia’s fastest growing regions before the new western Sydney airport opens in the mid-2020s,” A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said.

“The three companies shortlisted to submit a detailed tender for consideration are Fulton Hogan, CPB Contractors and Lend Lease Engineering.

“Last year we announced The Northern Road Stage 3 North would be accelerated by up to 18 months and today’s announcement further highlights our commitment to push ahead and revitalise road infrastructure for people living in western Sydney on time and on budget.

“Once complete the $1.6 billion The Northern Road upgrade will result in 35 kilometres of road being upgraded to increase road capacity, reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists travelling between Narellan and Penrith.

“The project will also help alleviate pinch points at Glenmore Parkway and the M4 Motorway interchange.

“Stage 3 North includes widening about four kilometres of The Northern Road between Jamison Road at Penrith and Glenmore Parkway at Glenmore Park to four lanes in each direction.

“Commuters, pedestrians and cyclists will all benefit from the upgrade as the project includes a continuous kerbside bus lane in each direction and off-road shared paths along the length of the project.

“Once the tenders are received, Roads and Maritime will assess the proposals with construction expected to start in the first half of next year following completion of the detailed design.

“Work is progressing on The Northern Road Stage 1 between Narellan and Oran Park with the construction contract awarded at the end of last year and major work to ramp up this month.

“Once complete, The Northern Road upgrade will deliver significant benefits now and into the future and provide a high quality connection with the proposed M12 Motorway, between The Northern Road and the M7 Motorway.

“These investments will provide the region with strong transport connections and create additional job opportunities for local residents as more projects move into construction.”

For more information on western Sydney road projects visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/wsip

ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES MEDIA UNIT 8588 5999 or media@rms.nsw.gov.au