The project

The M7 Motorway project involved extensive planning and construction. This page outlines the rationale behind the M7 Project and provides a snapshot of its major construction works and resulting road network features.  

Why build the M7 Motorway?

The M7 Motorway Project was initiated in response to a need to:

• Reduce travel times across western Sydney.
• Provide a quick and reliable link between Liverpool and Pennant Hills.
• Provide a direct link to the expanding Sydney Orbital Road network.

Outcomes

The major outcomes of the project are:

• Four traffic lanes (two in each direction), a wide central median, shoulders, cuttings and embankments.
• Safe travel at variable speeds of up to 100 km/h.
• Seventeen interchanges.
• Thirty eight overpasses and underpasses to maintain local access for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
• An off-road pedestrian and cycle path of almost 40 kilometres.
• Local road upgrades, including Hoxton Park Road, Cowpasture Road, Elizabeth Drive, The Horsley Drive, Richmond Road, Sunnyholt Road, Camden Valley Way, Bernera Road, Jedda Road and Joadja Road.

Snapshot of the M7 Motorway project

Major works

Major works undertaken during the project include: 

• The construction of four traffic lanes, a wide central median, shoulders, cuttings and embankments.
• Construction of a 40 kilometre off-road pedestrian and cycle path.
• Upgrading of Bernera Road at Prestons from a two lane undivided road to a four-lane road for 260 metres south of the off ramp.
• Upgrading of Jedda Road at Prestons from a two lane undivided road to a four and five-lane road for 450 metres near the M7 Motorway interchange.
• Upgrading of Richmond Road at Marsden Park from a two lane undivided road to a four lane divided road for approximately 600 metres between the M7 Motorway and Bells Creek. 

Who built the M7 Motorway?

The Westlink M7 consortium was selected to design, construct, maintain and operate the M7 Motorway for a total of 34 years, after which it is scheduled to revert to public ownership.

A company comprising Abigroup Contractors and Leighton Contractors undertook design and construction of the M7 Motorway. This organisation is the Abigroup Leighton Joint Venture (ALJV). 

Cost

$1.5 billion

M7 Motorway and its use

Road user information for the M7 Motorway includes the following:

• The M7 Motorway is a toll road. Tolling is fully electronic which maintains traffic flow, eases congestion and provides quicker and safer travel.
• Tolls for private users are calculated according to the distance travelled and are capped at 20 kilometres. This means that if a motorist travels the full length of the motorway (40 kilometres) they will be charged for 20 kilometres only.

For information on using the M7 Motorway visit www.westlinkm7.com.au