Picton Road upgrade - Picton Road projects

Reviewed

Transport for NSW is carrying out planning and assessments 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.

 

Project areas

Western section – Picton Road between the Nepean River and Almond Street, Wilton including the M31 Hume Motorway interchange.

Central section – Picton Road from Almond Street, Wilton to around Mount Keira Road.

Eastern section - Picton Road from around Mount Keira Road to the M1 Princes Motorway interchange.

 

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).

July 2025 – Picton Markets Sunday 27 July

The project team will be at the Picton Markets on Sunday 27 July between 8am and 2pm to meet with the community and answer any questions about the project.

Location: 151-155 Menangle Street, Picton

April 2025 – central and eastern section contract award 

Following a competitive tender process, a contract has been awarded to AECOM Australia and Stantec Australia joint venture to carry out field investigations, constraints definition and development of design options for Picton Road between Almond Street, Wilton and the M1 Princes Motorway. 

Over the coming months, the community can expect to see an increase in team members on the ground in the local area carrying out investigations to fully understand all the factors that may influence the design of a future upgrade. 

Investigations will help to identify key considerations and constraints in relation to biodiversity, heritage, geology, soils, water quality, land use, traffic and transport and utilities to inform early work on project design options. 

The central and eastern sections are currently at the early planning and options development phase. Transport will keep the community updated as the project progresses.

February 2024 – Yanmanjang – Walking together

Visit the Yanmanjang – Walking together portal which provides a narrative of cultural values, archaeological findings relevant to the western section and dreaming stories.

Picton Road upgrade overview video

Project information

Background

Picton Road is a key east-west corridor connecting the Illawarra-Shoalhaven to Sydney and the Greater Macarthur Growth area. The corridor is a critical freight link between Port Kembla and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the delivery of this upgrade is vital in supporting NSW’s growing freight task.

Picton Road connects the M1 Princes Motorway near Mount Ousley in the east, with the M31 Hume Motorway at Wilton in the west.

The Picton Road upgrade would include about 30 kilometres of Picton Road, between the Nepean River and the M1 Princes Motorway. An upgrade would support growing communities and businesses across Western Sydney and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven by providing safer, easier and faster access to jobs, services, education and suppliers for generations to come.

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 for NSW (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 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 happening on the central and eastern sections?

The central and eastern sections are currently at the early planning and options development phase. 

Transport has recently awarded a contract for further site investigations, constraints definition and development of design options for Picton Road between Almond Street, Wilton and the M1 Princes Motorway to AECOM Australia and Stantec Australia Joint Venture (also known as the Picton Pathways Joint Venture).

Over the coming months, the community can expect to see an increase in team members on the ground in the local area carrying out investigations to fully understand all the factors that may influence the design of a future upgrade. Investigations will help to identify key considerations and constraints in relation to biodiversity, heritage, geology, soils, water quality, land use, traffic and transport, and utilities to inform early work on project design options.

When will the project be built? 

The Picton Road upgrade currently has funding for design and planning work. The timing of construction will be subject to future funding decisions by the Australian and NSW governments. 

How much traffic currently uses Picton Road?

About 22,000 vehicles a day use Picton Road, of which 23 per cent, or 5100, are heavy vehicles. Traffic along Picton Road is expected to significantly increase as the committed land use changes intensify, and as freight movements continue to increase between Port Kembla and Western Sydney.

What are the benefits of the program?

An upgrade of Picton Road would improve safety, increase capacity, and create more reliable journeys for the local communities, industry and tourists who make up the 22,000 plus motorists who use this corridor each day.

Will the Wilton Growth Area precinct be considered as part of the upgrade?

We are working with Wollondilly Shire Council and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to ensure the Picton Road upgrade is integrated with the Wilton Growth Area vision.

How will the upgrade support the community and businesses?

The proposal would support growing communities and businesses across Western Sydney and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven by providing safer, easier and faster access to jobs, services, education and suppliers for generations to come. The upgrades would also allow improved connectivity to the growing communities in Wilton and Greater Macarthur growth areas and precincts. 

What is the safety record for Picton Road between the Nepean River and the M1 Princes Motorway?

Between 2019 to 2023 (five-year finalised data) there were 88 crashes reported on Picton Road, between the Nepean River and the M1 Princes Motorway. These crashes resulted in five people killed and 85 people injured, including 34 seriously injured.

How much funding is allocated to this? 

The Australian Government and the NSW Government have committed $80.7 million and $44 million respectively to the planning of the upgrade of Picton Road.

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

Community information

Community Notifications

Reports

Review of Environmental Factors - Western section

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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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