22 NOVEMBER 2016

The major work contract to deliver the Airport East road upgrade has been awarded to John Holland.

A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said the NSW Government had provided $50 million for the essential upgrade in the 2016/17 budget to ensure shovels are in the ground early next year.

“Sydney Airport accounts for 43 per cent of Australia’s international passenger journeys, 23 per cent of domestic passenger movements and around 50 per cent of international air freight,” the spokesperson said.

“With passenger numbers expected to double by 2033, the NSW Government is getting on with delivering key upgrades on every approach to the airport precinct.

“John Holland will manage delivery of the $170 million project, which includes a new road underpass beneath the rail line linking General Holmes Drive, Botany Road and Wentworth Avenue.

“Joyce Drive and General Holmes Drive will also be widened to three lanes in each direction between O'Riordan Street and Mill Pond Road.

“Early work for the project has already been completed, including a temporary rail deviation built by the Australian Rail Track Corporation to allow work to progress on the underpass.

“With the contract now awarded, major work is expected to get under way early next year.

“When the project is completed by early 2019, weather permitting, motorists will benefit from improved travel speeds and times.

“During the morning peak, more than 5000 vehicles travelling from Southern Cross Drive to Sydney Airport would experience travel times reduced by about 50 per cent.

“During the evening peak, the greatest benefit would be experienced by more than 10,000 vehicles on the Southern Cross Drive eastbound route, with reductions in travel times of about 60 per cent.”

For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au

ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES MEDIA UNIT  9462 6299     media@rms.nsw.gov.au