Road plan for new airport 'flawed and shortsighted', critics say

Liverpool City Council (LCC) and critics say a major road upgrade plan in Western Sydney is flawed and contradicts the government's transport and housing objectives. Transport for NSW says construction on Fifteenth Avenue in Liverpool will commence this year, and that the works are designed to ease congestion.

Transport for NSW Claims the Project is a Solution to Housing and Traffic Issues

Transport for NSW claims the project will ease congestion and support rapid housing growth. The government plans to widen Liverpool's Fifteenth Avenue to improve traffic flow and support housing growth. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

The project is the first stage of a long-term vision of a future transport corridor linking Liverpool with Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield. However, critics say the design is 'flawed and short-sighted' and would lead to the destruction of about 90 homes.

Alternative Proposal by Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has rejected the state government's plans and put forward an alternate proposal that he claims will better serve the community at a lower cost. The mayor said the project will save money in the future by avoiding further widening works.

The council said its plan would cost an additional $239m, but would save money in the future by avoiding further widening works. According to Transport for NSW, a potential second stage of the project would see the road widened even further to construct dedicated bus lanes.

Critics and Experts Criticize the Project's Design

The project has also drawn criticism from some infrastructure experts, who say it is inconsistent with the government's transport and housing objectives. The design uses wide car lanes and median strips to accommodate fast-moving traffic. The plans show footpaths and bus stops but do not include dedicated bus or bike lanes.

Tegan Mitchell, a senior road engineer, said the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade plan contradicts government policy and the project's original objective of supporting public transport. The design would limit future housing growth in the area compared with the council's proposal and is 'nonsensical' given Sydney's housing shortage.