Milestone reached on $3.8b M4-M5 Link tunnels
The new M4-M5 link, a $3.8 billion twin 7.5km tunnel running from Haberfield to St Peters, has hit a new milestone following the start of construction in March.
Inner West
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Workers have already dug out more than one kilometre of the underground tunnel described as the “most critical stage” of the multibillion-dollar WestConnex project.
The new M4-M5 link, a twin 7.5km tunnel running from Haberfield to St Peters, has hit a 1.6km milestone following the start of construction in March.
It will run under thousands of homes to connect the two upgraded motorways as part of the State Government’s $16.8 billion plan.
About 600 workers are operating around the clock in order to have the $3.8 billion project completed by its 2023 deadline.
Project director Terry Chapman said the tunnels would take thousands of trucks off the road each day and save inner west motorists much-needed time.
“The M4-M5 Link is the most critical stage of WestConnex, providing a crucial underground link between Haberfield and St Peters, which will allow the full benefits of WestConnex to be realised,” Mr Chapman said.
“When the tunnels open to traffic in 2023, motorists in the New M4 will have the option to stay underground at Haberfield and travel in up to four lanes through to the St Peters Interchange, which connects to the New M5.
“It will also be built with connections to the Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link.”
In total $7 billion will be spent on construction for the M4-M5 Link and adjoining Rozelle Interchange.
It follows the opening of the M4 tunnel between Homebush and Haberfield in July.
The $3.8 billion twin tunnels have cut about 20 minutes of travel time for commuters taking the 5.5km route, bypassing congested Parramatta Rd.
However, controversy surrounds the planned Rozelle Interchange, which would feed into the M4-M5 Link and proposed Western Harbour Tunnel.
Residents have called for modifications for the final stage of WestConnex, which include the 8m high Crescent Rd overpass, to be returned to first plans for an underground road after it was made public on August 21.
Matthew Hart president of the Annandale North P & C, told the Inner West Courier: “As a group we are definitely concerned about the safety risk to the kids.”
