M4 WORK FAST-TRACKED TO IMPROVE SAFETY

The NSW Government is fast-tracking $30 million in important safety work on the M4 following a fatal crash near the Church Street exit in May.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said work has started at the eastbound off ramp at Church Street near Parramatta to improve safety and help alleviate congestion with additional turning lanes.
The Centre for Road Safety conducted a review of safety on the M4 and its surrounds following the May crash.
The review examined a wide range of data including crash statistics, road user behavior and existing road safety mechanisms.
“As a result the Centre for Road Safety has recommended 12 actions for implementation by November 2019,” Mr Constance said.
“One of the first priorities is fast-tracking work on the exit ramp to ensure drivers can experience safer and smoother journeys as soon as possible,” Mr Constance said.
“The existing turning lanes on the ramp become congested quickly in peak times with a high number of vehicles using it to access Church Street and Parramatta Road, as well as Woodville Road towards Milperra and Liverpool.
“This congestion can create queues on the M4 Motorway, stretching back beyond the Burnett Street on ramp exit.
“This upgrade will provide a third right turn lane at the bottom of the exit ramp and extend the length of the existing left turn lane, to help keep traffic moving more quickly.”
Transport for NSW has also been monitoring traffic flow at the exit ramp, where drivers have been reported attempting to merge at high speed.
A traffic barrier installed between the ramp and city-bound lanes last July has significantly reduced crashes, and further upgrades are being considered.
Work will be carried out six days a week for the next six months, between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and between 6pm and 7am from Sunday to Friday.
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and drivers.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.