ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM

RYAN PARK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ILLAWARRA AND THE SOUTH COAST
MEMBER FOR KEIRA

JUDY HANNAN MP
MEMBER FOR WOLLONDILLY

Planning for the Picton Road upgrade is progressing well, as the western section of the upgrade receives planning approval, and the submissions report is published.

The upgrade has been divided into three sections, western, central and eastern, with the NSW Government committing $44 million and the Australian Government committing $80.7 million to project planning.

In February and March, members of the public were invited to comment on the Review of Environmental Factors for the western section of the Picton Road upgrade between Nepean River and Almond Street in Wilton, including the M31 Hume Motorway interchange.

One hundred and three submissions were received, including 89 from the community, one from Wollondilly Shire Council, three from NSW Government agencies, nine from businesses and one from a utility service provider.

Most of the feedback supported the need for the project, with trends including requests to fast-track the project or deliver it as quickly as possible, and comments on the need for the upgrade to cater for current and increased future traffic.

In response to submissions and following further design development, a number of improvements to the REF proposal were identified.

These include a channelised right turn at Almond Street as part of Stage 1 to retain all existing traffic movements, a U-turn facility west of Wilton Park Road and changes to drainage to minimise impacts to sensitive habitats.

Based on feedback, a second lane has been added to plans at the Hume Motorway northbound off ramp to Picton Road to enable more vehicles to pass through and limit queuing.

The next steps for the Picton Road upgrade between Nepean River and Almond Street, Wilton will include starting property acquisitions and progressing designs.

This section has received planning approval, however does not have funding for construction.

Progress is also being made on the central and eastern sections of the project, with Transport for NSW (Transport) recently inviting tenders from shortlisted organisations for a contract for site investigations and development of upgrade options between Almond Street, Wilton and the M1 Princes Motorway.

Transport expects to award this contract early next year.

Early site investigation work for the central and eastern sections to support ongoing planning work, including biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage assessments, has been occurring over the past two years and will continue through to 2025.

The submissions report can be viewed online here.

Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“Supporting vital commuter and freight corridors in our region has been an absolute priority for the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

“We are improving connectivity between the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Greater Sydney with upgrades to major arterial roads including Picton and Appin Roads, and delivering the long overdue Mount Ousley Interchange.

“I want to thank the community for their patience and understanding when delivering lifesaving road upgrades across and into our region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“The upgrade of the western section of Picton Road will provide safer and more efficient journeys for motorists and freight vehicles using this road, including through the new interchange at the Hume Motorway.

“With more than 22,000 motorists travelling on this east-west route daily, this project is an important piece of infrastructure connecting Sydney, the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan:

“I am pleased that feedback received has led to important design improvements that will result in better outcomes for the local area.

“After a contract is awarded for the central and eastern sections early next year, motorists and the local community will start to see increasing activity on the ground in the local area as investigations into the upgrade begin.”