Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 6, The New South Wales (NSW) and Albanese Labor governments have awarded a $647.3 million (A$1 billion) concept design contract to engineering firm WSP for the upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney’s south-west, Australia. The project aims to improve connectivity to the Western Sydney International Airport precinct, enhancing regional transport infrastructure.

Construction is set to begin in 2027.

The upgrade includes a four-lane carriageway with two traffic lanes in each direction, new active transport pathways, and signalized intersections to improve local safety. A key feature is the reservation of land for future expansion, including a dedicated bus corridor to support rapid transit services linking Liverpool, Bradfield City Centre, and the new airport. This planning addresses past oversights by securing land to prevent new constructions from obstructing the corridor.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison stated: “We know the local community is experiencing congestion and delays along Fifteenth Avenue and the surrounding roads, with typical average speeds in the peak times around 30km/h. Traffic counts in 2023 show around 22,000 vehicles use this section of road every day. That number is projected to almost double to 42,000 vehicles by 2036 especially as Bradfield and Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport develop.”

Transport for NSW will engage with property owners to discuss land requirements for the upgrade and future expansions. The project will proceed in stages, with the first phase focusing on duplicating the road between Second Avenue and Cowpasture Road. Later phases will extend the duplication, connect to Bradfield City Centre and the Aerotropolis precinct, and implement the bus corridor.

The NSW Government has prioritized accelerating the design and planning stages, targeting the release of construction tenders in 2026 and the start of major construction in 2027. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and support the growth of the Western Sydney region as a key economic and transport hub.