Australia’s Worst Intersection: $200m Second Fix Attempt

A long-awaited $200-million upgrade to “Australia’s worst intersection” has entered its second round of exhibition, with the Homebush road project featuring a new design.

The intersection of Homebush Bay Drive, Australia Avenue and Underwood Road, about 10km west of the CBD, services nearly 5000 vehicles an hour during peak periods. Transport for NSW estimates reach 36,000 vehicles a day by 2036.

Delays and wait times are common during commuter peaks and events at the nearby Olympic Park, and 44 crashes were reported between 2016 and 2020.

Accepting submissions until January 18 2026, the new proposal would add lanes, and improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. A 2027 start date is expected, with works taking about two years to complete.

Responding to public feedback on the first consultation, the project would also replace the existing roundabout with a traditional set of traffic lights, while minimising impacts to the nearby Bressington and Bicentennial parks.

When initially shown in 2022, the project included a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) set of traffic lights that would have been the first in NSW. 

▲ Former NSW roads minister John Graham has labelled the interchange as “Australia’s worst intersection”.

DDIs, pioneered in France in the 1970s, offer more efficient traffic flowthrough and use of space. However, their unconventional design can confuse drivers, who are briefly directed to the opposite lane.

The Albanese Government would contribute $100 million to the new fix, while the Minns Government would be responsible for remaining costs.

According to the Federal Government, the population of Homebush has doubled since 2015. With massive Billbergia-led precincts under way in nearby Concord, Rhodes and Wentworth Point, that growth is expected to continue. The Sydney Olympic Park Masterplan also forecasts population in that precinct to grow from 3700 to 28,650 residents by 2050.