Major construction work is underway on the Australian and New South Wales governments’ $32 million upgrade of the M5 South West Motorway at Riverwood in Sydney.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the Belmore Road Ramps project was another example of the Australian Government’s record $75 billion transport infrastructure investment program in action.
“The upgrade will reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic on the motorway helping the thousands of motorists who use this route every day to spend more time with their families and not stuck in traffic,” Mr Fletcher said.
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the works would improve a key link between Sydney's fastest-growing suburbs and the city centre.
“Motorists will particularly welcome the two new east-facing ramps that will enable traffic to directly access and exit the M5 motorway,” Mrs Pavey said.
Federal Member for Banks David Coleman said the new ramps would improve access and travel times on and around the M5.
“For more than 20 years, the space has been there to open these ramps but they have remained closed. Opening the ramps will be of substantial benefit to our area,” Mr Coleman said.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure and Member for Oatley Mark Coure said works on the project were expected to be completed in early 2019, weather permitting.
“For the safety of workers and motorists, changed traffic conditions will be in place during the works, including single-lane closures. We thank motorists for their patience during these important works on the M5,” Mr Coure said.
Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm between Mondays and Fridays and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
In order to maintain traffic flow on the M5 South West Motorway and Belmore Road, some night works will also be in progress from 8pm to 6am.
Motorists should allow for delays when planning their trips and follow the directions of traffic control staff and all signs, including reduced speed limits, in all work zones.
The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the Belmore Road Ramps project, with the NSW Government committing a further $16.6 million.
