Projects in focus: M6 Motorway

Previously known as the F6 Extension, the M6 Motorway is a proposed multi-lane road link that aims to provide better connectivity to Sydney’s south.

To be delivered in three stages, the project includes four kilometre twin tunnels between the new M5 Motorway in Arncliffe and President Avenue, Kogarah.  

Described as a ‘missing link’, the motorway will allow motorists to bypass up to 23 sets of traffic lights on the Princes Highway - and take up to 2,000 heavy vehicles off surface roads every day.  

As a result, jobs in the NSW infrastructure sector will receive a significant boost, with the project creating around 5,300 new jobs.  

The M6 Motorway is expected to cost approximately $2.6 billion. Construction is planned to commence in early 2022 and open late 2025.

M6 Stage 1 Project Overview

The M6 Stage 1 project is a crucial element of the NSW Government's transport vision for NSW, connecting Sydney’s south to the wider motorway network.  It will improve journey times, reduce congestion, and remove trucks from local streets.

Key infrastructure components include:

• Twin four kilometre tunnels linking the M8 Motorway in Arncliffe to President Avenue, Kogarah
• Ramps between the main motorway tunnel and the surface intersection at President Avenue
• Tunnel stubs for a future connection south to extend the M6
• Provision of new shared cyclist and pedestrian pathways connecting Bestic Street, Brighton Le Sands
• Motorway support infrastructure, like tunnel ventilation systems and the motorway control centre

Furthermore, a motorway control centre and tunnel ventilation facilities will also be built.  

There are many major benefits for the project. These include: 

• allowing motorists to bypass up to 23 sets of traffic lights
• removing over 2,000 trucks per day from surface roads - improving travel times and air quality
• creating minimal disruption to the community, as it’s mainly built underground
• easing congestion - meaning less time in traffic and faster trips to the CBD and across Greater Sydney
• reducing traffic on General Holmes Drive by 10,000 vehicles a day
• improving pedestrian and cyclist safety through the new shared cyclist and pedestrian pathways

Overall, the motorway will contribute to a more accessible, sustainable, and productive Greater Sydney.  

Infrastructure jobs for M6 Motorway project 

High profile infrastructure projects, like the M6 Motorway, will continue the momentum for revolutionary transport projects. It’s all part of the NSW government commitment of over $2.6 billion dollars to help boost our economy during the COVID-19 recovery.  

This transport project, in addition to the WestConnex and Sydney Metro, have been described as “the engine room of job creation in NSW.” For example, the $16.8 billion WestConnex project consists of multiple project teams and is likely to create more than 31,000 jobs throughout construction. Beyond simply contributing to Sydney’s workforce, the WestConnex will provide valuable skills for local workers to carry out future infrastructure projects throughout the city.

The M6 Stage 1 will support more than 5,300 jobs over the life of the project. This is in addition to the 200 jobs created for the community recreational facilities upgrades in Rockdale and Brighton Le Sands. 

Minister for Roads Andrew Constance says “We know many workers, contractors and sub-contractors are doing it tough during this challenging period, and the start of works on the M6 Stage 1 will be a major boost for the construction industry.”

Additionally, an investment of around $20 million to revitalise local recreation facilities will also support local jobs and improve amenities for local residents. Upgrades to Ador Park and McCathy Reserve at Rockdale and Brighton Memorial Playing Fields at Brighton Le Sands include:

• creation of new grass and synthetic playing fields
• amenities buildings
• additional car park spaces
• new skate park
• new play areas

These developments bring exciting opportunities to the infrastructure sector, while supporting local communities.

Conclusion

The NSW government’s massive infrastructure spend is evident as the state continues to build its way out of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes Stage 1 of the M6 Motorway project beginning shortly.  

Benefits of the road infrastructure project are twofold. Access and connections to Western Sydney will be improved, while also creating opportunities for urban renewal.  In addition, the project will generate many job opportunities for those in the infrastructure sector, delivering a much needed economic boost for Australia. 

About CGC Recruitment

At CGC Recruitment, our team of experienced consultants cover all major infrastructure, engineering and construction sectors. We help clients throughout Australia deliver their projects by attracting the best candidates and talent. This sector-driven focus gives CGC a strong understanding of the project lifecycles, government policy, and economic considerations impacting our industry and the demand for skilled professionals.

CGC Recruitment helps complex, large-scale development projects – like the M6 Motorway project – to achieve the best outcomes through recruiting outstanding professionals. Our highly-motivated team of experienced consultants help clients and candidates connect with major projects by bringing in the best talent and opportunities.

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