Work officially started on construction of the $2.7 billion M6 Stage 1 with a sod-turning led by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet at Kogarah yesterday.
When completed in 2025 the M6 Stage 1 (previously referred to as the F6 Extension) will see a 4km twin tunnel that connects the completed M8 at Arncliffe to President Avenue, Kogarah.
Mr Perrottet said the new tunnels would remove 10,000 cars a day from General Holmes Drive, and slashing travel times and bypassing up to 23 sets of traffic lights.
"It's great news that major construction work is about to get underway on the M6, which will be crucial in connecting Sydney's motorway network.
"Our economic recovery will also be bolstered by the up to 5,500 jobs this project will create."
To mark the commencement of construction, Mr Perrottet was joined by Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads Eleni Petinos, Oatley MP Mark Coure, and Heathcote M P Lee Evans.
Mr Stokes said the M6 will provide motorists with better connectivity and more reliable trips to Sydney's south.
"This project will help reduce traffic on General Homes Drive, which is another major artery, by about 10,000 vehicles a day when the project opens," Mr Stokes said.
"We're also incredibly pleased that all community benefits for this project will be delivered before Christmas this year, including two playgrounds, a war memorial and FIFA grade playing fields.
Bicentennial Park at Rockdale is being gradually closed to make way for the construction of the M6 Stage 1 project.
The construction will impact access to public space and facilities at Rockdale Bicentennial Park from late October 2021 with complete closure from February 2022.
Bayside Council has worked with Transport for NSW to ensure the project has minimal impact on local streets and open spaces.
Transport for NSW has built new community recreation facilities and upgraded existing facilities at McCarthy Reserve and Ador Reserve Precinct, the former Rockdale Bowling Club, as well as Brighton Memorial Playing Fields.
Transport for NSW handed the newly upgraded Brighton Memorial Playing Fields back to Council on 1 October 2021 and McCarthy Reserve on 4 November 2021.
The new Ador Reserve Precinct is scheduled to finish in late 2021, before the complete closure of the Rockdale Bicentennial Park.
The project will also deliver new facilities and open space at Rockdale Bicentennial Park and Marsh Street in Arncliffe and a bridge to link with pedestrian and bicycle pathways over President Avenue.
Substantial improvements will be made to the road network including an upgrade to President Avenue and the intersection off Princes Highway.
