M4 safety work at Church St exit at Parramatta

A $30 million project to improve safety on the M4 has been fast-tracked after a crash near the Church St exit killed Wentworthville man Francis Shanley last month.

Francis Shanley with his fiancee Broc Nicholson. Source: Facebook

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A $30 million project to improve safety on the M4 has been fast-tracked after a crash near the Church St exit killed Wentworthville man Francis Shanley last month.

Irish tradesman Francis Shanley, 36, died while driving to work on May 9 when a truck hit his ute in a huge crash at Mays Hill just before 6am.

Francis Omigie was charged with causing the 11-vehicle crash and failing to stop and help.

The State Government project on the blackspot has started at the eastbound off-ramp at Church St to boost safety and help alleviate congestion with extra turning lanes.

The M4 motorway near Church St Parramatta. Picture: Carmela Roche

The Centre for Road Safety conducted a review of safety on the M4 and its surrounds after the crash and examined crash statistics, road user behaviour and existing road safety mechanisms.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance said work the centre recommended 12 actions for implementation by November.

Francis Shanley and Broc Nicholson. Picture: Facebook

“One of the first priorities is fast-tracking work on the exit ramp to ensure drivers can experience safer and smoother journeys as soon as possible,” Mr Constance said.

“The existing turning lanes on the ramp become congested quickly in peak times with a high number of vehicles using it to access Church St and Parramatta Rd, as well as Woodville Rd towards Milperra and Liverpool.”

Mr Constance said congestion could create queues on the motorway that stretched beyond the Burnett St on-ramp exit.

“This upgrade will provide a third right turn lane at the bottom of the exit ramp and extend the length of the existing left turn lane, to help keep traffic moving more quickly,’’ he said.

Transport for NSW has also monitored traffic flow at the exit ramp, where drivers have been reported trying to merge while speeding.

The State Government said a traffic barrier installed between the ramp and city-bound lanes last July, had significantly reduced crashes and further upgrades were being considered.

Work will be carried out six days a week for the next six months, between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and between 6pm and 7am from Sunday to Friday.

Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place.