The Westlink M7 links the M5 Motorway at Prestons in Sydney's south-west, the M4 Motorway at Eastern Creek in the west, and the M2 Motorway at Baulkham Hills in the north-west
LENGTH
40 kilometres
NUMBER OF LANES
2 lanes in each direction
TOLLS
Approximately $0.33 (including GST) per kilometre for both cars and trucks, capped after 20 kilometres at $6.57 per trip
TOLL PRICE ESCALATION
CPI
TOLL COLLECTION
100% electronic tolling
CONCESSION END
2037
Nature of the asset
The 40 km Westlink M7 completes a major section of Sydney's 110 km orbital network. It links the M5 Motorway at Prestons in Sydney's south-west, the M4 Motorway at Eastern Creek in western Sydney and the M2 Motorway at Baulkham Hills in Sydney's north-west. As such, the Westlink M7 forms an integral part of the overall Sydney orbital network, linking major employment, industrial and residential areas of western Sydney. The Sydney orbital network also acts as an outer bypass for traffic through Sydney as well as a primary link to inter- and intra-state highways.
Tolls on the Westlink M7 are based on actual distance travelled and are collected by a free-flow electronic tolling collection (ETC) system, with no cash collection or stopping at toll booths, resulting in significantly improved traffic flow. Tolls are calculated on a cents per km basis and are capped for trips longer than 20 km.
Construction of the Westlink M7 commenced in 2003 and the road was opened to traffic on 16 December 2005, approximately eight months ahead of schedule.
Nature of the investment
MIG currently holds a 50% interest in Westlink Group, the consortium that in February 2003 was awarded the rights to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the Westlink M7 toll road. Westlink Group holds a 34 year concession (including construction term) to 2037.
MIG originally acquired a 40% equity interest in Westlink Group in February 2003 for A$392 million. Upon opening of the Westlink M7 in December 2005, MIG exercised its fixed price option to acquire an additional 5% equity interest for A$47.35 million from Abigroup and Leighton Contractors. In September 2006, MIG acquired 2.5% from Abigroup for A$34.3 million; and in August 2008, MIG acquired a further 2.5% from Leighton for A$38 million. Transurban Group Limited holds the remaining 50% interest.
