Construction on the Mulgoa Road / Castlereagh Road upgrade, between Union Road and Museum Drive in Penrith, is set to kick off in late 2018, with the major work contract awarded to McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd this week.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, said the $105 million upgrade would provide better road connections to the Penrith CBD and bust congestion at the intersections of Jane Street and High Street.
“The Morrison Government is delivering essential transport infrastructure for Western Sydney to support the expected future growth of the region,” Mr Tudge said.
“This project will improve access to public transport in the busy CBD and get people home sooner and safer.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, the Hon Melinda Pavey MP, said the project would also allow for future upgrades of sections of Mulgoa Road and provide safe and effective pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
“These busy intersections are vital to connect road users with the Penrith CBD, Blue Mountains and surrounding suburbs,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The Australian and NSW governments are planning for the future of Western Sydney to ensure road users are better connected with their homes as well as key employment and recreation areas across the region.”
NSW Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Penrith the Hon Stuart Ayres said the project is another piece of our infrastructure agenda that will benefit the local community for years to come.
“Work will include building an additional north and south bound lane both on Mulgoa Road and Castlereagh Road between Union Road and to the south of Museum Drive,” Mr Ayres said.
“The upgrade will also improve the intersections of Mulgoa Road and High Street as well as Castlereagh Road and Jane Street to provide increased capacity and improved bus priority at the High Street intersection, cutting commute times.”
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the upgrade also included a new rail bridge.
“As Penrith locals know, the section of Castlereagh Road under the rail bridge often floods when there is rainfall, and this upgrade will help address this issue by delivering improved flood immunity, which will be complemented by a new, longer rail bridge,” Senator Payne said.
“In addition, increased public parking will be provided between the Nepean District Tennis Association courts and the railway line, which is good news for commuters.
“Because our Government’s plan for a strong economy is working, we have been able to secure the funding needed to deliver this vital road infrastructure which will further help future-proof the needs of our Penrith community.”
Construction is expected to start in late 2018 and be completed by late 2020, weather permitting.
