JENNY AITCHISON - MEDIA RELEASE - HENRY LAWSON DRIVE UPGRADE HITS MAJOR MILESTONE, EASING CONGESTION IN SYDNEY'S SOUTH

The Minns Labor Government’s $144 million upgrade of Henry Lawson Drive has reached a major milestone, with Stage 1A now completed on budget and nine months ahead of schedule. 

This section of the project improves a critical corridor between the M5 South Western Motorway at Milperra and Beale Street at Georges Hall, easing traffic for more than 43,000 vehicles using the route daily. 

This project is part of the Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure for communities and ensure a fair share of investment for everyone. 

Key upgrades delivered include: 

• 
  Widening Henry Lawson Drive to two lanes in each direction between Tower Road at Bankstown Aerodrome and Auld Avenue at Milperra 
• 
  Longer dual right-turn lanes from Henry Lawson Drive into Newbridge Road 
• 
  An upgraded left-turn lane from Newbridge Road into Henry Lawson Drive 
• 
  A new dual right turn into Tower Road, supported by $16 million in funding from Bankstown Airport; and 
• 
  Enhanced pedestrian access, footpaths, and shared paths at key intersections. 

Planning is now underway for the $220 million Stage 1B, jointly funded with the Albanese Labor Government, which will continue the widening between Auld Avenue and the M5 Motorway. The project is currently in the detailed design phase, with construction expected
 to begin by the end of next year. 

A commitment in the lead up to the 2023 state election, Stage 1B will see Henry Lawson Drive expanded to four lanes with a raised central median between Auld Avenue and the M5 Motorway. 

Key highlights of the Stage 1B works include: 

• 
  Upgrading the Henry Lawson Drive intersections at Bullecourt Avenue and Pozieres Avenue with additional turning lanes and reconfigured slip lanes to improve traffic flow 
• 
  Constructing a new two-lane local link road between Auld Avenue and Keys Parade, along with extending Raleigh Road to connect with the Keys Parade roundabout 
• 
  Building a new northbound bridge near Auld Avenue while keeping the existing bridge open to traffic during construction 
• 
  Providing new and reconstructed shared paths and footpaths throughout the project area to enhance active transport connections for pedestrians and cyclists 

These upgrades will increase traffic capacity, reduce congestion, improve safety, and support better connectivity for all road users. 

For more information on the Henry Lawson Drive Upgrade, please visit,
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/henry-lawson-drive-upgrade. 

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said: 

“Delivering this major upgrade nine months ahead of schedule is a win for local communities and for everyone travelling through Sydney’s south. 

“This section of Henry Lawson Drive is a critical link in our road network, and these upgrades will mean faster, safer, and more reliable journeys for more than 43,000 vehicles each day. 

“It’s part of our broader commitment to tackling congestion and improving road safety across Greater Sydney, and we’re not stopping here, with planning well underway for the next stage of this important project thanks to the advocacy of the Member for East
 Hills, Kylie Wilkinson.” 

Member for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson, said: 

“This is a fantastic result for our community. Locals have been calling for improvements along Henry Lawson Drive for years, and it’s great to see real progress being delivered. 

“These upgrades will make a big difference for commuters, families, and local businesses with better traffic flow, safer intersections, and improved pedestrian access.”