The capacity and design of the existing road is unable to support current and projected demand, particularly for heavy vehicles.
The upgrade responds to several challenges such as network efficiency from the current road configuration, worsening congestion impacting freight efficiency, and about 60,000 new homes expected in the region by 2040.
The proposal aligns with Australian and NSW Government priorities to reduce congestion on a key freight route and help improve safety and resilience of land transport infrastructure. The proposal aligns with the Infrastructure Policy Statement by addressing the strategic themes of Productivity and Resilience (freight networks) and Liveability (safety).
The preferred option addresses the identified problems but was not compared to other options to demonstrate that it is the best option for the investment value.
The primary quantifiable benefits are travel time savings and vehicle operating cost savings, equating to 94% of total benefits. These benefits result from reducing current and forecast congestion through greater capacity and contemporary road design.
The proposal will cater to the projected growth in freight along the corridor. Freight benefits would be realised for vehicles heading westward from Port Kembla to Greater Sydney and regional NSW, and eastward towards the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.
Deliverability
The proponent has appropriately assessed different design, packaging, contracting and procurement strategies in accordance with their standard approach, although there is no consideration of interactions with future stages of the Picton Road upgrade, and this may contribute to future cost pressure.
The proponent has a comprehensive risk management framework that aligns with contemporary standards. No ‘Very High’ risks are identified in the risk register pre- or post-mitigation.
Next Steps
Infrastructure Australia supports the Picton Road Upgrade (Western Section) and acknowledges that the proposal aligns with NSW Government plans to increase housing supply in the Wilton and Greater Macarthur growth areas and precincts.
We recommend delivery of Picton Road (Western Section) is considered as part of an integrated delivery plan for the Picton Road Upgrade Program to identify construction efficiencies and opportunities to minimise construction impacts.
Future business cases for the Central and Eastern Sections should consider the potential impacts of induced demand and the level of certainty regarding key benefits.
