A major part of a project to upgrade the road network to the east of Sydney Airport has been completed.
Work on a new Port Botany rail freight bridge at Wentworth Avenue which involved pouring around 1,000 cubic metres of concrete, installing pilings and rail embankment works to allow space for a future track duplication has now finished.
The first freight train is expected to traverse the new bridge early on Monday morning, June 18.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the bridge was a critical part of the plan improve travel times and ease congestion around the Sydney Airport/Port Botany precinct.
Work on the project started in February 2017.
“Replacing the crossing with a new rail freight bridge will substantially reduce traffic disruptions on General Holmes Drive as well as reduce delays to freight train movements on the line,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The Australian Government has committed $40 million towards the $156 million required to remove the level crossing on General Homes Drive – a major barrier to improving traffic flows in the area.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said, to ensure construction of the rail freight bridge could be managed safely and efficiently, the Botany rail line had been temporarily diverted from its original alignment.
“We will now relocate the line across the new bridge to allow work to start on the underpass, which will improve access to the airport, Mascot and the eastern suburbs by connecting Botany Road via Wentworth Avenue to General Holmes Drive.”
To view a video of all the proposed works around Sydney Airport click here
