A new concept design has been released for the long-pending upgrade of the Homebush Bay Drive and Australia Avenue intersection – one of Sydney’s most congested traffic locations.

The redesigned layout for what’s described as “Sydney’s worst roundabout”, aims to replace the current roundabout with a signalised intersection featuring additional lanes to unlock vital road capacity and keep vehicles moving quickly, safely and efficiently, especially during peak periods and major events at the nearby Sydney Olympic Park.

The $200-million fix for the intersection upgrade will be jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

“The Australian Government welcomes this step forward in easing congestion, increasing safety and improving travel times and connectivity to Sydney Olympic Park and Homebush,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“The community has waited for years for a solution to the traffic issues that have plagued this intersection since it first opened more than a quarter of a century ago. We have listened to the community and are moving forward with a more traditional and familiar design and the delivery of a much-needed upgrade at this intersection,” she adds.

The new layout was developed following detailed environmental and traffic studies to reduce disruption to Bressington and Bicentennial parks while creating safer, more efficient connections for people walking, cycling and driving through the precinct. The previously proposed Diverging Diamond Interchange solution was dropped in 2022 after feedback from the community revealed overwhelming concerns about its complexity, unfamiliarity and safety.

Key highlights of the proposed roundabout redesign include additional lanes on all approaches to the intersection; new shared path, crossings and refuge islands for pedestrians and bike riders; coordinated pedestrian activated traffic signals; and relocation of the existing Underwood pedestrian crossing and bus stand at DFO Homebush.

Federal Member for Reid, Sally Sitou views the upgrade as a major win for the local community.

“As our local population grows, so too must our infrastructure. This upgrade will future-proof one of our busiest intersections, supporting new homes, local businesses and the thousands of people who visit Sydney Olympic Park each week.”

The busy intersection currently handles about 5,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods, and the upgrade is expected to provide long-term relief for the tens of thousands who use it every year. The major redesign follows interim improvements delivered in December 2024, which enhanced short-term safety and traffic flow with new traffic loop detectors, 12 new roundabout operating signs, and advanced warning signs at the roundabout and Homebush Bay Drive off ramps, in addition to the relocation of a pedestrian crossing to a new, safer spot on Australia Avenue, complete with a pedestrian fence.

“For the thousands of drivers stuck at this intersection every day, this upgrade means less time in traffic and more time with your family,” says NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.

According to NSW Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis, the Homebush population has almost doubled in the past decade, placing increased pressure on “Sydney’s worst roundabout”.

“With additional residential and commercial growth in Wentworth Point, Carter Street precinct and Sydney Olympic Park, along with the influx of traffic to major events and the DFO, a solution needs to be implemented as soon as possible.”

The project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been completed, assessing both community and environmental impacts of the revised proposal. Residents and stakeholders can now provide feedback on the REF and the updated concept design until 18th January 2026.

Construction of the upgrade is scheduled to begin in 2027 with completion expected in two years.

Image: Looking towards Australia Avenue and Sydney Olympic Park from Underwood Road (in front of DFO Homebush) | Source: Transport for NSW

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