After going around in circles for years, the government has finally committed to fixing the most hated roundabout in the country – by splurging $150million on an upgrade.
The notorious installation, locally referred to as the ‘DFO Roundabout, in Sydney’s west, frequently frustrates motorists while being overrun by more than 5000 an hour during the peak weekday traffic rush.
Not only that, the intersection – which links Homebush Bay Drive, Australia Avenue and Underwood Road – often becomes an even worse bottleneck at the weekends as shoppers converge on the nearby Direct Factory Outlet (DFO).
The roundabout is also the main gateway to the suburbs of Homebush, Wentworth Point and Newington, and stadium shows and sporting events at Qudos Bank Arena and Accor Stadium often make traffic a nightmare at the intersection.
The federal government will tip in $100million for the upgrade while the state government chips in $50million.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said it would fix ‘one of Sydney’s most notorious’ intersections.
‘Whether it’s going to a big event or getting home from work, Homebush Bay Drive has become a big-time waster for millions of people,’ he said.
The roundabout outside Sydney Olympic Park is one of the worst in the city
This is one of the most notorious roundabouts in the country and has has plenty of cash pumped into its upgrade to ease congestion
But social media users said they were astonished by the expense of the overhaul.
‘150 million? Are they putting a high rise in the middle?’ one baffled critic wrote online.
Mr Graham admitted the cost of the upgrade could seem staggering but that it was essential to ensure the intersection was fixed once and for all.
‘The public can be surprised that it could take $150million to fix a roundabout. That’s how difficult this roundabout (has) been,’ he said.
‘That’s why it’s known as Australia’s worst roundabout, famous for all the wrong reasons.’
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King slammed the previous government for its inaction on the intersection.
‘This project was promised for seven years by the Coalition but they never committed the funds that were required,’ she said.
‘This community has been promised this upgrade for years, and I know they’re looking forward to have their say on the proposed upgrades.’
In December, the state government completed safety upgrades, including moving pedestrian crossings, the installation of pedestrian fences and advanced warning signs on the Homebush Bay Drive off ramps.
