Improving road access around Port Botany and Sydney Airport to unlock access to Sydney’s freight gateways

Port Botany and Sydney Airport Road Access Strategy

Sydney Airport handles 40 percent of international passengers and half of the nation’s air freight, while Port Botany is the largest container port in New South Wales and the country’s biggest bulk liquids facility. Together, they keep goods and people moving across Greater Sydney and beyond.

With Port Botany located near Sydney Airport and the central business district, the surrounding road network was under strain. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) engaged our team to review and assess road network opportunities at the present and into the future, helping them build a robust strategy that would cater to expected growth and the wide range of trip types in the area—general commuter, commercial and freight, and airport trips.

We took an iterative approach to deliver practical solutions, using our transport expertise to advise TfNSW on effective analysis. First, we tested options that solved known issues before exploring alternatives. We then built an evaluation framework that quantified benefits, to assess options early and ran traffic modeling and intersection analysis to check feasibility and designs. Finally, we identified quick, high-impact improvements—like line marking adjustments, lane extensions, and turn lane redesigns—to enhance intersections and corridors.

Working closely with TfNSW and our design teams, we applied a risk-based approach to address constructability, utility risks, and heavy vehicle needs, which involved engagement with key parties and workshops. The transportation model we developed also informed TfNSW’s Network Operations team for the Sydney Gateway Benefits Realisation and Operational Readiness Assessment, helping identify constraints on the network to address per opening or to monitor after completion.

By taking a strategic, evidence-based approach to improving access around two of Australia’s most vital freight hubs, TfNSW now has a comprehensive strategy in place to reduce congestion, support growth, and keep supply chains moving—strengthening the economy for years to come.