In exchange for the $1.5 billion project,the government will extend the tolling arrangements for the M7 by about three years to 2051,according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.
As part of the Transurban-led project,a connection will be built between Elizabeth Drive and the 16-kilometre-long M12,and be partly funded by the state.
NSW Finance Minister Damien Tudehope said the project would provide a vital connection to the new toll-free M12 motorway and support the projected growth of the region. “Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia,” he said.
Major construction of the $2 billion M12 – a key link to Western Sydney Airport – started several months ago and is being jointly funded by the state and federal governments.
Transurban,which operates almost all of Sydney’s toll roads,said widening of the M7 and construction of the parts of the project was expected to start in 2023 and take about three years.
Subject to planning approval,the construction timeline means the project should be completed in time for the opening to passengers ofWestern Sydney Airport in late 2026.