WestConnex M4 tunnels open: Everything you need to know

Where does it go, how much will it cost and where can you get on and off? Stage One of the Sydney M4 tunnels opens to traffic at 2am on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know.

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The $3.8 billion M4 tunnels were promised to be an example of “congestion-busting at its best” as the ribbon was cut on the long-awaited project this morning.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Roads Minister Andrew Constance and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack joined western Sydney MPs and workers at the eastbound entrance to the tunnels on Friday to herald a historic day for Sydney.

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance (left), NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, CSJ training co-ordinator Marlee Mirabito and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack cut the ribbon to officially open the new M4 WestConnex tunnels. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Motorists won’t be able to use the 5.5km twin tunnels from Homebush to Haberfield until Saturday morning, when WestConnex Stage One comes online to traffic.

Ms Berejiklian thanked the people of inner west Sydney for their patience and “holding the government to account” over the project that has not been without its detractors.

WestConnex construction workers onsite throughout the project’s development.

She paid tribute to the 4000 workers including 200 apprentices who had contributed to construction over the last three years.

“What excites me is the people using these tunnels will save 20 minutes off their travel times, by passing 22 sets of traffic lights,” she said.

The WestConnex map.

“We know that when you’re building a major project disruption happens, uncertainty happens.

“We’ve taken a lot of learnings from building these tunnels and what it means for local residents and we’ve applied those learnings for future projects.”

“World class project that will deliver world class outcomes”.

McCormack said the Federal Government had contributed $1.5 billion to the total $16 billion WestConnex build, a project that would get people home “sooner and safer”.

“Today is a day of history but it’s also a day very much for the future,” he said.

“It’s for the future of Sydney residents, it’s a day of busting through even more congestion for the future.”

A video animation of the new M4 tunnels released by WestConnex. Picture: WestConnex

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne and resident action group Coalition Against WestCONnex have raised concerns about the government’s refusal to open the tunnels with an initial toll-free period, saying it would push extra traffic onto local roads.

But Mr Constance said the project would ease the inner west’s traffic strain by taking 10,000 trucks per day off the notorious Parramatta Rd.

Construction workers and guests watch on as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaks to the media during a press conference in front of the new M4 WestConnex tunnel at Homebush. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Workers, guests and media watch on as the first cars drive into the new WestConnex tunnel at Homebush. Picture: Bianca De March

“This is about taking without doubt one of the most congested roads in the nation and making it for those communities above ground,” he said.

“This tunnel is congestion-busting at its best.

“It’s going to change so many lives just by having it open.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The tunnels open to traffic at 2am on Saturday, July 13. The eastbound lanes will open first, with the westbound tunnel to open about an hour later

• They cost $3.8 billion to create

• One way tolls between Homebush and Haberfield will be a maximum of $4.27

• Someone travelling the 13km from Parramatta to Haberfield using WestConnex will pay a one-way fare of $7.89

• Tolls were set from day one in order to prevent “excessive” traffic using the new roads, according to the State Government

• The tunnels are 5.5km long with a 1km above ground road entry

• There are three lanes in each direction

• There are six breakdown bays in the tunnels, three in each direction

• The tunnels have been made extra high to allow for most tall vehicles to use them

• There are 35 different trip combinations for motorists using the tunnels

• Entry and exit points include: an on and off ramp at Homebush Bay Drive, as westbound on ramp at Parramatta Rd in Strathfield eastbound on ramp and westbound off ramp at the Concord Rd Interchange, eastbound off ramp and westbound on ramp at Concord Rd, on and off ramps at Parramatta Rd in Ashfield, and on and off ramps at Wattle St, Haberfield

• More than 16,000 people worked on the project, including 4000 in construction over the past 3 years

• By 2021 there will be 67,000 a day through the tunnels

• Future stages include the new M5 (2020), and M4-M5 link from haberfield to St. Peters (2023)