Residents are becoming increasingly frustrated that a piece of critical infrastructure, which was promised years ago, remains undelivered.
450 metres of the East West Connector Road between Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing remains unfinished and before Penrith City Council, which is yet to make a decision regarding the road’s future.
One Jordan Springs resident, who spoke on the condition on anonymity, said everyone is at their wits’ end and thinking of abandoning the suburb.
“We moved from Cranebrook to Jordan Springs to get our kids into Jordan Springs Public School, but if this road doesn’t go through we’re looking at moving out of the area,” he told the Weekender.
“Lendlease blamed Council and Council blamed Lendlease… it’s like a couple of toddlers arguing.”
Lendlease submitted a Development Application (DA) to Penrith City Council in May, with plans estimated to cost more than $15 million.
According to the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the DA, Lendlease proposed to push on with Stage 3 of the Jordan Springs Estate.
The proposal included plans to complete the final portion of the East West Connector Road, describing it as “the vital transport link between the Northern Road, through Jordan Springs to Ropes Crossing”.
According to the resident, the road is needed not only for convenience, but to provide a much-needed second entry and exit.
He said, without the road, locals have to add 15 to 20 minutes to any trip just to get out.
“It is extremely, extremely frustrating. We bought here and we knew there were delays, but we thought we could wait,” he said.
“It’s been at least six years… we need an outcome, not de-escalation rhetoric thanking us for our patience.”
A spokesperson from Council said Lendlease is responsible for the construction of the East West Connector Road, and some elements of their application remain outstanding.
“A DA submitted by Lendlease is under assessment, however additional information is required from Lendlease which has not been presented. It is anticipated that the outstanding essential information will be submitted this month,” the spokesperson said.
“Once this has occurred, assessment of the application is expected to be finalised and reported for determination early in 2024.”
If greenlit, Council were unable to provide a definite timeframe for when the road would be complete.
Lendlease said the road is actually finished, but can’t be opened.
“We understand and share the urgency with the community to have this critical piece of infrastructure delivered as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said.
“Construction of the main connecting road between Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing was completed earlier this year, but we can’t open this important connection because a missing last link of road within the residential area is still waiting for approval from Council.”
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for the Weekender, including courts.
