The Minns Labor Government is investing an additional $300 million in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to fast-track critical upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, accelerating delivery of two of Western Sydney’s most important road projects.
The NSW Government’s investment will be matched by the Albanese Labor Government, delivering a combined $600 million boost to get these critical projects underway sooner.
As Western Sydney continues to grow, so does the demand on its road network.
This major investment will expand the scope of the projects and bring construction forward, with work on both projects set to begin in late 2026, a year earlier than planned.
This will ease congestion, improve safety and strengthen connections to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
The Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will receive an additional $400 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $200 million, bringing total project funding to $1.4 billion.
The Elizabeth Drive Upgrade will receive an additional $200 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $100 million, bringing total project funding to $1 billion.
Together, these projects represent a $2.4 billion investment in Western Sydney’s future, delivering the roads and transport connections needed to support growing communities, unlock new housing and jobs, and ensure residents can benefit sooner from the opportunities created by Western Sydney International Airport.
Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade
The additional funding has enabled key design improvements in response to community and council feedback, including:
- improved bus infrastructure and better integration with future public transport needs; and
- enhanced road connections and access to surrounding residential and industrial estates, including an extension of Edmondson Avenue into the project scope.
The upgrade between Cowpasture Road and Devonshire Road will deliver two lanes in each direction, improve connections to surrounding local roads, enhance access to Western Sydney Parklands and provide safer crossings for local wildlife.
Planning will also continue for a future dedicated bus corridor along Fifteenth Avenue, supporting the region’s long-term public transport needs.
Elizabeth Drive Upgrade
The additional investment comes in response to community and industry feedback and will deliver extra scope including:
- 1.5 kilometres of additional road duplication from South Creek to the M12 interchange with Western Sydney International Airport; and
- A major upgrade of the Elizabeth Drive and Martin Road intersection, completing a key connection to the airport, surrounding industrial estates and supporting the growing Aerotropolis.
The project has also been refined to deliver safer and more efficient intersections at key locations along the corridor including a new, signalised intersection at Clifton Avenue, improved bridge connections across Badgerys Creek and South Creek and reduce impacts on local business and community facilities.
This investment builds on more than $7.4 billion the NSW Minns Labor Government has funded for Western Sydney roads since 2023 and is part of our plan to build the infrastructure growing communities need now, for a better future.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“These are welcome investments that will help us deliver the roads Western Sydney needs, sooner.
“With airport operations ramping up over the coming months, Western Sydney’s upgraded road networks will soon be put to the test.
“These additional upgrades, now jointly-funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will mean people and goods can continue travelling in and out of the airport efficiently as traffic volumes increase.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading roads across Western Sydney so families can spend less time in traffic and more time together.
“This investment delivers what the former Liberal National government failed to do when they allowed development to run rampant across South West Sydney without the essential roads and infrastructure needed.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Minns Labor Government knows Western Sydney deserves better, and this additional $600 million investment in the NSW Budget makes sure that happens. Better roads, less time stuck in traffic and infrastructure that finally matches the ambition of this extraordinary region.
“Western Sydney is one of the most exciting places to live, work and raise a family. Cranes are on the skyline, new businesses are opening their doors, and a brand-new international airport is putting this region on the world map.
“But this doesn’t change the reality of locals who are feeling the impact. Due to the lack of any investment in Fifteenth Avenue by the former Liberal Government, daily commutes that should take 20 minutes are taking an hour. People are staying late at work to avoid gridlock traffic. That time should be spent with family.
“Over $7.4 billion has been invested by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments since we came to office to get Western Sydney moving again. Local MPs have been advocating for years and finally have a Minns Labor Government building better communities right across Western Sydney.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:
“Western Sydney is home to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and these investments ensure its infrastructure keeps up.
“By bringing forward delivery of Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, we’re supporting jobs, industry and better connections to Western Sydney International Airport.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Leppington, Nathan Hagarty:
“For too long, locals have told me about being stuck in traffic just trying to do the everyday things – getting to work, dropping the kids off or getting home.
“This investment means easier, quicker and safer trips for the people who live and work here”.
