The state government has abandoned the option of extending the M1 (F6) motorway through the west of the shire.
But the project faces stiff competition for budget funding, and appears to be many years away.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay confirmed the route after a statement in a budget media release revealed the government’s hand.
”This year's budget has allocated $11.6 million to continue planning for a future F6 motorway,” he said.
“Geotechnical investigations will be carried out along the F6 corridor as scheduled over the next few months to finalise designs and costings for the Business Case, which will be submitted to the NSW Government for consideration late this year.
“Community consultation will form an important part of this process.
“Planning work done by RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) has confirmed the established eastern F6 corridor is the stronger option for a motorway connection than the western A6 corridor.
“The full benefits of an F6 motorway are dependent on its connection to the WestConnex motorway network, which is not due to be completed until 2023.
“Any decision on prioritising the F6 will be considered in the context of the NSW Government’s transport infrastructure program, including other motorway, light rail and Sydney Metro projects, once the final business case has been submitted.”