Work is underway to deliver around 750 additional car spaces near the Emu Plains railway station, to support commuters using public transport.
The Morrison Government is contributing $15 million under the Urban Congestion Fund towards the project.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said this important project would help ease congestion on local roads by providing commuters with greater access to rail services.
"The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely," Minister Fletcher said.
"Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 182 packages of work nationwide. The total number of projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 73. A further 30 are expected to start construction this year.
"This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's economic recovery."
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, the Hon Rob Stokes MP, said the project is part of the NSW Government's Commuter Car Park Program, which aims to provide greater public transport options for commuters and help ease congestion on our roads.
"This investment is excellent news for the residents of Emu Plains and surrounding suburbs, not only for the additional car parking off Old Bathurst Road, but also the dozens of jobs that will be generated by this project," Minister Stokes said.
"A new roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Old Bathurst Road and Smith Street to allow vehicle entry and exit into the car park, with landscaping carried out including a vegetated drainage channel through the car park."
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP, said increasing car parking at the station would take hundreds of cars off the road by increasing access to public transport.
"This project will ease congestion and improve safety on our roads by enabling more people to access our local public transport network," Ms McIntosh said.
"Prior to COVID, the existing parking at the station was usually full as early as 7am on weekdays. The increased capacity will be a much-needed boost for our community.
"This will help make the daily commute quicker and safer, helping local people spend more time building their business or at home with their family rather than stuck in traffic."
New South Wales Member for Penrith, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP, said a new footbridge over Old Bathurst Road is being installed as part of the project, and it will provide safe and direct pedestrian access between the car park and the station.
"There will also be Transport Park&Ride infrastructure including Opal-operated boom gates, provision for future electric vehicles charging spaces, and CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage for improved safety and security," Mr Ayres said.
Earlier this year, additional Aboriginal heritage items were discovered during field surveys as part of the now completed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment.
Transport for NSW worked with Registered Aboriginal Parties, a heritage consultant and Heritage NSW to manage these items allowing construction to start.
The Emu Plains Commuter Car Park is expected to be completed in late 2022.
