Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway - Picton Road upgrade

Reviewed

Transport for NSW is planning to upgrade Picton Road between the Nepean River and the M1 Princes Motorway, including the interchanges at the M31 Hume Motorway and the M1 Princes Motorway. The upgrade has been divided into three sections - western, central and eastern.

The western section of the Picton Road upgrade is between the Nepean River and Almond Street in Wilton including the M31 Hume Motorway interchange.  

The section involves: 

  • widening and upgrading approximately 5 kilometres of Picton Road between the Nepean River and Almond Street in Wilton
  • upgrading the existing Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway interchange into a diverging diamond layout. 

Latest News

July 2025 – project update

To learn more about what’s been happening and next steps for the project, view the July 2025 project update (PDF, 1.55 MB).

December 2024 - project update and release of Review of Environmental Factors submissions report

The western section of the Picton Road upgrade project has now been approved to proceed. This follows the completion of the environmental assessment and analysis of feedback received during the public display of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) report and concept design earlier this year. 

During the display, 103 submissions were received from the community and other stakeholders.

To view all the submissions received and Transport’s response to the feedback, view the submissions report (PDF, 7.46 MB).

To learn more about what’s been happening on all sections of the project and next steps, view the December 2024 project update (PDF, 649.28 KB).

Overview animation of the western section of the Picton Road upgrade

Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) animation

Community information

Community notifications

Reports

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is happening on the western section?

The western section of the Picton Road upgrade between Nepean River and Almond Street, Wilton has now been approved to proceed. This follows the completion of the environmental assessment and analysis of feedback received during the public display of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) report and concept design in early 2024. Transport assessed the submissions and prepared a report responding to feedback in late 2024. The report outlines community and stakeholder views as well as Transport’s response to the feedback. 

Transport for NSW (Transport) has started the property acquisition process and is in ongoing discussions with affected property owners. Work is also continuing on the development of the design for construction. The timing of construction will be subject to future funding decisions by the Australian and NSW governments.

What is a Review of Environmental Factors? 

Transport prepared a REF for the western section. The REF assesses the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposal and recommends measures to reduce these impacts. 

The REF includes comprehensive assessments on the existing environment and potential impacts of the proposal on areas including traffic and transport, biodiversity, heritage and noise, and vibration, as well as any cumulative impacts of other existing or known likely future projects (government or private). 

The REF proposes mitigation measures to minimise impacts that could potentially arise as a result of the construction and operation of the proposal. If the proposal proceeds, these measures would be incorporated into the detailed design and applied during the construction and operation of the proposal. The REF was on public display for community feedback in February and March 2024.​​​​​

What were the key issues raised in community feedback on the REF?

The majority of submissions supported an upgrade of Picton Road. The main issues raised in submissions included:

  • concerns with elements of the proposed design of the Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway interchange, including the inclusion of traffic lights, and its capacity to cater for future growth
  • concerns about the timing and impacts of the introduction of left in, left out arrangements proposed for local road intersections.

What are the key features of the western section? 

The key features of the western section of the broader Picton Road upgrade include:

  • widening and upgrading about five kilometres of Picton Road between the Nepean River and Almond Street in Wilton
  • upgrading the existing Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway interchange into a diverging diamond layout
  • new and upgraded shared paths on Picton Road
  • reconfiguring the existing Picton Road intersections with Wilton Park Road, Aerodrome Drive, Janderra Lane and Almond Street
  • integration with new traffic signals and widening roadworks constructed in 2023 at the intersection of Picton Road and Pembroke Parade and Greenway Parade
  • adjusting the posted speed from the western extent of the proposal, through the interchange and to the east of Pembroke Parade to 60 km/h.

What will the upgraded intersection with the M31 Hume Motorway look like? 

The design of the interchange at Picton Road and the M31 Hume Motorway is a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). This design was chosen because it provides the least impact to the surrounding area while improving safety, reliability and efficient travel when compared to other options. 

What is a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) and what are the benefits? 

This unique design provides additional lanes for traffic to cross the interchange under the safety of traffic signals which allows for free flowing turns when exiting and entering Picton Road. Right turns from Picton Road onto the M31 Hume Motorway will only pass through one set of traffic signals. 

The traffic signals have simplified traffic light phasing which would provide increased green time and improved traffic efficiency when compared to the existing arrangement. 

The DDI includes a four-metre-wide active transport path on the southern side of Picton Road, which is fully separated from vehicles with an underpass of the south bound on ramps and an overpass of the north bound off ramps. 

While the layout of the DDI is new to NSW drivers, it would be easy and safe to navigate. 

Why is the DDI the preferred option for the interchange?

Transport carried out a comprehensive options assessment process to determine the preferred option for the design of the Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway interchange. The DDI was selected as the preferred option because it delivers the required capacity, safety, reliability and efficiency, while minimising impact to the surrounding area. 

What other options were considered?

A technical assessment of the design, standards and specifications of DDIs across Australia and around the world was carried out as part of the selection and design development process.

We assessed 13 different options for the interchange. Options included double roundabouts, grade separated roundabouts, a four-way signalised intersection with and without a bridge, grade separated ramps, loop interchanges and continuous interchanges with loops. We identified an intersection with traffic lights, configured as a DDI, was the best outcome when compared with other options.

When is construction expected to start?

The timing of construction will be subject to future funding decisions by the Australian and NSW Governments.

How can I get more information about the project?

You can keep up to date on what is happening on the Picton Road upgrade by subscribing to updates using the form below, reviewing our latest project updates, emailing pictonroad@transport.nsw.gov.au or calling 1800 290 613.

Members of the Picton Road upgrade project team will be at the Picton Markets on Sunday 27 July from 8am to 2pm. Drop in and meet the team, ask questions and get an update on the project.

Location: 151-155 Menangle Street, Picton

Review of Environmental Factors - Western

Contact us

For further information about this project, please contact:

Phone: 1800 290 613

Email: pictonroad@transport.nsw.gov.au

Mail: Picton Road upgrade, PO Box 477, Wollongong NSW 2520

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