M4

On 16 February 2010, operation of the M4 Motorway was handed back to the Government and the toll was removed. For more information click here.

The M4 is a 40 kilometre urban expressway,  running from Concord in the inner-west to Penrith and Lapstone at the foot of the Blue Mountains. There are 16 major interchanges along the M4, including a connection to the M7 at the Lighthorse Interchange at Eastern Creek. The M4 enables safe and efficient travel between key regions of western Sydney and services over 100, 000 commuters, local residents and businesses each day.

RTA vision

The M4 project was initiated in response to the need to provide an efficient link between Sydney’s western suburbs and between western Sydney and the inner-west. The motorway was designed to provide a direct link between key regions in western Sydney, reduce travel times between these regions, and provide a gateway to western Sydney.
The RTA has a holistic approach to designing and planning its road projects.
In addition to considering traffic flow, travel times and public transport, urban design concerns feature prominently. These include environmental and heritage considerations, connectivity, local community needs, supporting green travel and enhancing urban environments. The RTA strives to ensure that each road project adds value to local communities.

Benefits brought by the M4 include the following.

Road users

Road users benefit from:

• Quicker journey times. The M4 provides a faster trip than alternative routes throughout its entire length, including during peak traffic periods.
• Improved traffic flow. The M4 bypasses 40 kilometres of intersections and 60 sets of traffic lights.
• Fuel efficiency. Studies have shown that cars using the M4 use around 15 per cent less fuel than on alternative routes.

[source: NRMA Motoring and Services news release, 17 September 2007.]
 

Local Communities

Local communities benefit from:

• Reduced traffic on local roads.
• Improved road infrastructure for local businesses.
• Improved commute times for residents working in the inner-west and Central Sydney area

Cyclists

Cyclists can use the shoulder of the M4, except on the section between Silverwater Road, Auburn and Church Street, Parramatta.

Planned Improvements

An extension of the M4 remains a NSW Government priority. Please click here for more information on the proposed extension to the M4.