Work is powering ahead on The Northern Road Upgrade, with shovels now in the ground for work on Stage 5 of the upgrade between Littlefields Road and Glenmore Parkway and another contract finalised for the last stage of the upgrade through Luddenham.

Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the upgrade was being delivered as part of the Australian and NSW governments’ $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan to improve safety and increase road capacity as well as reduce travel times and congestion.

“The Australian Government has committed $1.2 billion towards The Northern Road Upgrade and is getting on with the job of delivering new and improved transport for the residents and motorists of western Sydney,” Mr Tudge said.

“Work has now started between Littlefields Road and Glenmore Parkway, which will see around seven kilometres of The Northern Road upgraded to a minimum of two lanes in each direction with a central median.

“New traffic lights will be installed at four intersections as well as a new shared path along the western side of The Northern Road to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said a contract had also been finalised for the upgrade through Luddenham, which was the final stage of the long-awaited upgrade.

“The company will manage the delivery of the project between Eaton Road and Littlefields Road, which will see almost four kilometres of road upgraded to bypass Luddenham town centre and improve access for future planned land development,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Finalising this contract will allow work to be carried out to build a four-lane divided road as well as a central median to allow for future road widening.

“Work will also be carried out to install new traffic lights and build a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said once complete, The Northern Road Upgrade would improve transport connections between Penrith, the M4 Motorway, Western Sydney Airport and surrounding developments.

“This upgrade is just another piece of the massive infrastructure program that will support future growth and benefit local communities in southwest Sydney for years to come,” Mr Taylor said.

“More than 15,000 vehicles currently use these sections of The Northern Road each day and this number is expected to significantly increase once the new Western Sydney Airport opens in 2026, so it is important to get on with the job now.

“Work on the upgrade of 35 kilometres of The Northern Road between The Old Northern Road and Jamison Road is expected to be completed in 2022, weather permitting.”

The Australian Government has committed $1.2 billion towards the $1.6 billion Northern Road Upgrade, with the NSW Government committing the remainder.