The ‘transformational’ $2.6B Sydney Gateway set to open

Sydney Gateway will be officially unveiled this weekend as the new roadway project improves access to Sydney Airport.  

The new five-kilometre roadway will save travellers 17 minutes between Sydney Airport and the St Peters Interchange, which connects to some of Sydney’s most important roads, including the M8 and the M5 and M4, to Western Sydney. 

NSW Roads Minister John Graham thanked the 8,000 workers who worked on the project during its nearly four-year construction.  

“I want to thank the 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway, part of the most skilled and experienced infrastructure workforces we have in Australia or anywhere around the world,” he said.  

“Sydney Metro was a transformational infrastructure project for Sydney and the opening of Gateway is now going to transform that familiar car trip to the airport, whether it is to depart on holidays, return on business or picking up the family. 

“Transport for NSW is working closely with Sydney Airport for the smoothest start, but I urge all Sydney drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the animations, know their route and expect some initial traffic impacts as fellow drivers also get familiarised.”  

According to the NSW government, the Sydney Gateway will provide an alternative option for an estimated 10,000 trucks per day. Trucks driving from Sydney Airport to Port Botany will be able to use this option, reducing the number of trucks on local streets. 

According to the NSW government, the $2.6 billion project delivered innovations in testing. The signage and road markings were tested with motorists prior to the official opening, and 100 changes were made as a result.  

Final commissioning has been occurring this week through Transport for NSW. The organisation will also set up a joint operations centre at the Transport Management Centre. It will monitor and react to congestion and traffic incidents as the new Sydney Gateway integrates with the road network.  John Holland and joint venture partner Seymour Whyte began the work in 2021 as the delivery partner with Arcadis and AECOM delivering design work as a joint venture.

Josh Murray, Transport for NSW secretary, said motorists should prepare for the Sydney Gateway’s opening this weekend. 

“There are always impacts when opening large infrastructure projects as drivers get used to new conditions,” he said. 

“We have been working hard to ensure we are well prepared to welcome motorists onto the newest section of Sydney Gateway, with the Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre crucial to this. 

“We want people to reap the benefits of the new road connections straight away, so we are eager for as many people as possible to watch the in-car driver animations as these provide a perfect opportunity to see what is coming before opening. 

“The animations include the signage and road markings that drivers will see in the M8 tunnels and on the new adjoining surface roads, helping them to navigate the new routes to and from the Sydney Airport precinct.” 

The Sydney Gateway will be open to the public on September 1.