Appin Road Upgrade

The journey so far

• Where is Appin Road?

  Appin Road is a key arterial road which connects road users travelling between south-western Sydney and the Illawarra. It has an average use of over 10,000 vehicles per day and locally the road services the suburbs of Appin, Gilead and Rosemeadow.

• Why is the road being upgraded?

  A safety review of Appin Road was undertaken by Transport for NSW in 2014. Several safety issues were identified in the review such as trees too close to the road’s edge and the narrow width of the existing lanes and shoulders of the road. The upgrade of Appin Road was recommended to address these safety issues.

• What road safety measures have been proposed?

  The original Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept design for Appin Road Upgrade, were on exhibition from Monday 19 November to Friday 14 December 2018.

  It was proposed that the road be duplicated providing additional lanes and new safety barriers. View the Transport for NSW community update for more information. 

• What impact does Appin Road have on koalas?

  A report published by Biolink (2023) revealed that there has been an increasing rate of koala roadkill along Appin Road in recent years, and that the number of animals known to have been killed along this road is likely to represent less than half of the real number. Using publicly available data from BioNet, we’ve counted 28 koala deaths along this stretch of road in the past five years. 

• What are the koala protection measures?

  Transport for NSW developed a Addendum Review of Environmental Factors (A/REF) which was on public exhibition in November and December 2022. The community was consulted over the proposed addition of koala underpasses and fauna fencing to facilitate safe passage of koalas across Appin Road. View the Transport for NSW community update for more information.

• How will the road upgrade support new housing?

  The Appin Road Upgrade will provide two new signalised intersections to the Figtree Hill community. This will provide access for new residents and the community. 

  Appin Road will also serve the Greater Macarthur Growth Area. This area will transition from rural land use over the next 20 years to a location for new housing and employment opportunities in the region.

• Who needs to approve the road upgrades?

  Transport for NSW will make a determination on the Appin Road Upgrade. They are continuing to assess the environmental impacts from the proposed works before determining the project. For further information, please contact Transport on 1800 684 490 or email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.

• What about other sections of Appin Road?

  Further safety upgrades and improvements are also planned along the rest of Appin Road by Transport for NSW, with more information visit nswroads.work/appinroad.