Got a question? See our FAQ’s below
The next stage of WestConnex is the crucial link in Sydney’s road network. The new 7.5km tunnel connects the M4 at Haberfield with the M8 at St Peters (the M4-M8 extensions).
Drivers will be able to travel 33km along the WestConnex network, including 22km underground in what is the longest continuous underground road tunnel in Australia. The new underground orbital will provide drivers with a traffic-light free journey between Sydney’s West and CBD.
The new extensions of the M4 and M8 opened to traffic on 20th January 2023.
The new tunnels provide connections from western and south-western Sydney to Sydney Airport and the Port Botany precinct, with significant travel time savings of up to 40 minutes in peak traffic from Parramatta to Sydney Airport.
The first stages of WestConnex have already delivered significant travel time savings. Motorists can save up to 56 minutes in the afternoon peak westbound on the M4 and up to 30 minutes from Campbelltown to Sydney Airport in morning and evening peaks using the M8 or M5 East corridor.
Twin, 7.5km long tunnels
Generally, either three or four lanes each way
Deepest point 55m underground (top of tunnels)
Average depth 35m
Clearance 5.1m (compared to 4.4-4.6m in older Sydney tunnels including M5 East)
Around 4,000 LED lights in the tunnel
Over 4,000 emergency lights
Around 1,700 PA Systems, electronic speed limit and Variable Message signs
More than 1,000 CCTV cameras and 24/7 monitoring
Stationary vehicle detection systems
Dedicated incident response teams
Motorists will have the option to remain underground in the M4 Tunnels and continue to travel to the St Peters Interchange, onto the M8. Alternatively, the project will connect to the surface road in Haberfield and St Peters.
A number of “plan your journey” animations are available on the WestConnex website, find them here. These allow motorists to experience a “virtual journey” along the project route, including all options for entry and exit points.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels project are officially referred to as extensions of the M4 and M8 motorway. This aligns with the NSW motorways’ numbering system and naming conventions, making it easier for motorists to navigate and travel the broader network.
Like the M4 and M8, the speed limit within the M4 and M8 extensions is 80km/h, this is consistent with other tunnels in Sydney.
The tunnels include speed cameras. The NSW Government is responsible for operation and enforcement of the speed cameras.
The estimated travel time is around 8 minutes. This calculation is based on motorists travelling for 7.5km at 80km/h.
WestConnex tolls are distance based.
The toll on the new extensions of the M4 and M8 will cost $5.32 (2022$) for cars and motorbikes and $15.97 (2022$) for heavy vehicles and trucks.
Calculate your toll using our Sydney future toll calculator.
WestConnex has capped, distance-based tolling, with costs reflecting the distance travelled.
After 16 kilometres of continuous travel on the WestConnex network, a toll cap will come into effect. Travel after 16km for motorbikes and cars will be capped at $10.47 (2022$) and for heavy vehicles/ trucks, capped at $31.40 (2022$).
Ventilation outlets are located on the north-east corner of Wattle Street and Parramatta Road, Haberfield (contained within the M4 facility) and within the St Peters Interchange site at Campbell Road, St Peters.
Air quality monitoring is conducted pre and post opening to measure impacts on local air quality.
We have established air quality monitoring stations at the following locations:
Campbell Street, St Peters
Albert Street, St Peters
Ramsay Street, Haberfield
Wattle Street, Haberfield
These locations have been selected as they were considered to accurately reflect roadside air quality.
We are undertaking this air quality monitoring in line with Conditions of Approval set by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and the EPA.
Following opening, air quality data will be published on the Linkt website here.
The Transurban Public Art Program - Canal to Creek includes 21 signature artworks that have activated new and existing parklands between St Peters and Beverly Hills. Artworks include contemporary sculpture, artist-designed playgrounds, large-scale murals, a writers walk and an immersive lighting installation.
Named ‘Canal to Creek’ after the waterways that connect the art sites, each work is a site-specific exploration of the relationship between people and place.
You can learn more about other open spaces along WestConnex here.