The congestion-prone roundabout outside the Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a step closer to a fix as the Albanese Government invests an additional $50 million to deliver the upgrade to Homebush Bay Drive.  

Today’s announcement brings the Commonwealth’s contribution to $100 million, alongside a $50 million investment from the Minns Labor Government. 

The project will ease congestion around and improve traffic flow at what has been labelled “Sydney’s worst roundabout” outside the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) site. 

The project will deliver a signalised intersection, with a number of options set to be put to community consultation in the coming months. 

Currently, motorists are experiencing significant delays, long queues and wait times at the intersection, particularly during morning, evening and weekend peak periods, and during special events at Sydney Olympic Park.

Nearly 5000 vehicles an hour travel through the roundabout during weekday peak periods and the existing intersection performs poorly in terms of road safety, with 41 crashes reported at the intersection between 2019 and 2023. 

The population of Homebush has almost doubled in the past decade. As the population continues to grow, it will put more strain on this critical access point. 

In December, a number of significant improvements were made to the roundabout to improve safety, including roundabout operating signs, new traffic loop detectors and advance warning signs on off-ramps.

Today’s announcement will ensure funding is in place to deliver a long-term solution can be delivered to ease the traffic pain for residents and visitors of Homebush. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: 

“This project was promised for seven years by the Coalition but they never committed the funds that were required.

“This community has been promised this upgrade for years, and I know they’re looking forward to have their say on the proposed upgrades.” 

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“This additional funding from the Federal Labor Government is extremely welcome as we enter the final design stages on a solution for an intersection which is fair to describe as Australia’s worst roundabout. 

“Whether it is trying to get to a big event at Olympic Park on time or just getting home from work, this intersection has been a headache, there is no getting around that.”

Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou said:

“In December, new advance warning signs, traffic loops and roundabout operating signs were introduced to make this roundabout safer. 

“This new investment will pave the way for us to deliver the long-term improvements that Homebush Bay Drive needs. I look forward to inviting local residents to have their say on the future upgrade."

NSW Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: 

“We know this intersection will continue to get busier, with the popularity of major events bringing visitors to the area along with the population in Sydney Olympic Park and the surrounding suburbs continuing to grow. 

“It’s vital that we get a long term solution in place, that’s what makes the additional funding from the Federal Government so welcome.”