Sydney's South on the move with the new M6: Chris Johnson

EXPERT OBSERVATION

Connecting one of the missing links in Sydney’s motorway network is a step closer to delivering benefits to the residents and businesses of Sydney’s south and the Illawarra.

From tomorrow, companies vying to build the underground motorway from Arncliffe to Kogarah, now known as M6 Stage 1, can express their interest in a project expected to create 5,300 jobs throughout its life.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the M6 Stage 1 would make journeys easier and safer by avoiding roads such as President Avenue and The Grand Parade – and save motorists up to 15 minutes in traffic.

“Once complete, the new M6 will provide significant time travel savings for Sydney’s south and the Illawarra. More than 2,000 trucks a day will be removed from local streets and 23 sets of traffic lights bypassed,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The M6 Stage 1, previously known as the F6 Extension, includes four kilometre twin tunnels between the new M5 Motorway at Arncliffe and President Avenue at Kogarah.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the M6 Stage 1 would provide relief for motorists around Kogarah and Brighton-le-Sands.

“That’s why we are pleased to be moving forward with this congestion-busting infrastructure which will help get commuters home with their families sooner and spend less time stuck in traffic,” Mr Constance said.

Travel-time savings during the morning peak (when used with other motorway connections) include:

1. Kogarah to ANZAC Bridge – up to 15 mins
2. Miranda to Macquarie Park – up to 15 mins
3. Kogarah to South Sydney – up to 13 mins 
4. Taren Point to Mascot – up to 12 mins 
5. Kogarah to Sydney CBD – up to 8 mins

It is expected that a contract will be awarded in December 2020, construction will begin by early 2022 and open to motorists by the end of 2025.

CHRIS JOHNSON is the CEO of the Urban Taskforce