GreatWestern

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are planning to invest AUD$70m ($61m) to upgrade the Werrington Arterial Road Stage 1.

The Australian Government said in a statement: "This new funding increases our joint Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan to $3.6bn further boosting the region’s productive capacity to capitalise on the economic gains from developing an airport at Badgerys Creek and cutting journey times for residents travelling to the M4."

As part of the project, the Great Western Highway will be linked with the M4 Motorway by widening Kent Road and Gipps Street into a four-lane dual carriageway.

"Every dollar spent on the new road will provide a return of 3.7 times the initial investment through productivity gains."

The upgrade will not only reduce pressure off the Northern Road and Mamre Road, but will also save time and money for motorists.

"Every dollar spent on the new road will provide a return of 3.7 times the initial investment through productivity gains," the statement added.

"A new north-south corridor will give the St Marys industrial area better access to the major freight routes and help cater for western Sydney’s growing population."

The project is expected to create 4,000 new jobs and boost region’s economy.

The government has already completed environmental assessment, project design and community consultation, and announced tenders for construction, which is expected to begin in early 2015 and complete by 2016.

Under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, the government also planning to upgrade Bringelly Road for $509m, build a new 14km motorway between the M7 Motorway and The Northern Road for $1.25bn and improve local roads.

Image: The Great Western Highway in Springwood, Queensland. Photo: courtesy of Coolcaesar.