Cochrane Street and Links Road, Dunheved Business Park.
THE barricades at the Ropes Crossing entry point to Western Connector Road have been removed but residents will or have already quickly discovered it is still a ‘road to nowhere’.
Despite now being able to walk or ride along almost the entire length of the road (which becomes Wianamatta Parkway), the illusion of an access road to Jordan Springs finally being open to traffic is quickly dispelled when the roundabout at Armoury Road, Jordan Springs comes into view.
200-300 metres of undeveloped land still separates that intersection from the eastern end of Wianamatta Road, with the latest news filtering through to Jordan Springs residents that roadwork and bridgework is scheduled to now extend beyond December, 2026.
There is no better news regarding Cochrane Street, which runs off Wianamatta Parkway to connect with Links Road in the Dunheved Business Park.
This intersection also features undeveloped land between Cochrane Street and Links Road, and is reportedly not due for commencement of the roadwork, at that site, until the Wianamatta Parkway between Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing is completed.
A Jordan Springs resident spoke to Nepean News and said, “There are currently two major issues affecting the community.”
“Firstly, the 6 year delay of the connector road being completed on the Penrith side by Lendlease. This is a major bushfire breach, for if there’s a fire to the west of the Tedbury Rd area that’s being fanned by 60kmh+ winds, the emergency bus lane (Leichardt Ave) is not an option for residents of Armoury Road / Corporal Avenue / Garrison Road, who can’t flee west but must flee east. That’s why it was a crucial part of the original DA.
“Secondly, there is the works on the sinking bridge / road area between Garrison Road and Armoury Road. At best this will be completed Dec 2026. Any delay, like the Northern Road / Greenwood Parkway debacle that was supposed to be finished in Sept 2025 but will be at least a year late, will have dire consequences, with the (Jordan Springs) High school opening in January 2027.
Amoury and Wianamatta Road intersection, Jordan Springs.
The resident said there were rumours on Facebook that the bulk earth works regarding the Connector Road will not be complete until Dec 2026, which they fear means there is no possible way that the Connector Road will be complete for the school’s opening. In short, that means students / parents from Ropes Crossing will need to make a 25 minute each way trip to take their students to school, instead of driving 90 seconds.
The resident said there is material labelled both ‘fit for use’ or ‘unsuitable for use’ stacked in the area needed to be rectified / turned into roadway.
“This includes materials such as grass. It appears a cause of the delay isn’t just subsidence but may indeed be the contamination pits that were alluded to decades ago by former workers at the ADF site. I have heard rumours of a road going from Infantry Road to the bridge to bypass this issue / area but these are unsubstantiated rumours. Therefore, the cost to rectify this issue must be extremely prohibitive.
“The Connector Road is accessible for all pedestrians and cyclists (just not cars) from the park in Jordan Springs, as well at the Ropes Crossing end. Technically, it is prohibited entry. This is why stolen cars frequently use the road as a burnout strip. The evidence is everywhere.”
A Lendlease spokesperson spoke to the Nepean News, stating, “We understand and share the urgency with the community to have this critical piece of infrastructure delivered as quickly as possible.
“We have appointed a contractor for the bulk earthworks, which will commence imminently. This is an important step forward in building the remaining section of the Connector Road.”
Another Jordan Springs resident has instigated a petition at www.change.org/p/one-road-is-not-enough-complete-the-connector-road-for-jordan-springs-east.
This petition states: “Residents of Jordan Springs East have waited many years for an additional access point into and out of the community. The long promised connector road (Winnamatta Parkway / East West Connector Road), intended to link Jordan Springs with St Marys North and Ropes Crossing, was originally expected to be delivered years ago. It remains incomplete, with no confirmed delivery date provided to residents.
As a result, the community continues to rely on a single road for entry and exit. This sole access route is now subject to major road and bridge works, increasing congestion, delays, and safety risks for residents, visitors, school traffic, and essential service providers.
Jordan Springs East is surrounded almost entirely by bushland. In the event of a bushfire, natural disaster, or medical emergency, there is currently no alternative evacuation route. Emergency services access may be significantly restricted, placing lives and property at risk. These risks are further compounded by the construction of Jordan Springs High School, which will significantly increase traffic in an area already constrained by limited infrastructure.
Completion of the connector road would deliver critical benefits by:
• Providing a vital second access and evacuation route
• Improving emergency services response capability
• Reducing congestion and improving road safety
• Cutting travel times to St Marys and creating a direct route
• Creating easier access to the new Western Sydney Metro system once completed
• Supporting current and future growth in the area
Despite its clear strategic importance and long standing commitments, the connector road remains unfinished, with ongoing delays and no transparent or publicly communicated construction timeline.
This is no longer an inconvenience. It is a public safety issue.
We call on Penrith Council, the NSW Government, and all responsible authorities to:
• Commit to the immediate commencement and completion of the connector road (Winnamatta Parkway)
• Deliver a guaranteed second access point for Jordan Springs East
• Publish clear and transparent infrastructure timelines
• Prioritise resident safety, emergency access, and evacuation planning
Excuses and delays have gone on far too long. Jordan Springs East residents are no longer asking for explanations. We are asking for action.”
