2001: Sydney's Motorway Revolution

A map of freeway projects (approved, under construction or proposed) in Sydney in 2001. Full citation below.

In early 2001, Federal Transport Minister (and Deputy Prime Minister) John Anderson announced that the Federal Government would provide $350 million to cover the $1.25 billion cost of the construction of the Western Sydney Orbital.

Across Sydney, it was estimated that over six years (2001-2007) $3 billion would be spent on the construction of new freeways which promised travel savings, increased productivity, lower running costs for trucks and jobs.

Source: Wainwright, R. 2001. "Sydney's motorway revolution". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 5:1. 

The Western Sydney Orbital (Westlink M7) was completed in 2005 ahead of schedule, however the Lane Cove Tunnel was opened in 2007 and the Cross City Tunnel in 2005. The M5 East was opened in December 2001.

In 2013, plans were unveiled for the  F3 extension to the M2 Motorway (NorthConnex). Approval was given in 2015 by the NSW Government. Opening is slated for mid year.

While NorthConnex will run under Pennant Hills Road, a proposed route in 2001 saw the road running from Macquarie Park to Wahroonga.

Source: Wainwright, R. 2001. "Pressure on to complete the city's traffic puzzle". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 5:4. 

Below is additional coverage from the January 5, 2001 edition of The Sydney Morning Herald.