The Western Research Instutute at Bathurst's Charles Sturt University conducted two studies into the socio-economic impact of the Bells Line Expressway on the Central West (2005) and on Western Sydney (2006).

The studies show that the new expressway will bring benefits to these regions including:-

Reduced Travel Times

In 2005, the average travel time from the M7 to Lithgow is 85 minutes on the GWH, and 70 minutes on the BLoR.  Once the Bells Line Expressway is completed, the crossing of the Blue Mountains will be cut by around half an hour, with huge savings in fuel bills, reduced wear on vehicles and improved safety.

Road Safety

The Bells Line Expressway will provide a much safer road than the GWH and BLoR due to:-

• decreased driver fatigue as a result of travel time reduction
• reduction in the number and sharpness of bends
• the provision of four lanes rather than two allowing safe overtaking opportunities
• faster traffic flow with fewer off ramps
• reduced congestion

Accident cost savings have been estimated to be around $2.7 million per annum.

The average annual savings on vehicle costs and travel time was determined to be $9.9 million per annum.

According to the NRMA the GWH and the BLoR are the most dangerous highways in the state per kilometre of road.

A 2003 Road Audit by the NRMA showed that within 10 years, 129 people died in road accidents on those Blue Mountains crossings - 106 on the GWH and 23 on the BLoR.  In addition 2,383 people were injured on the GWH and 601 on the BLoR.  There were 5,239 crashes - 4,128 on the GWH and 1,111 on the BLoR.

For about 63 percent of the GWH, drivers are forced to cross the centre lane to overtake another vehicle.  The audit showed that the BLoR had stretches of up to 26 kilometres without a safe overtaking opportunity for either direction.  According to the NRMA, motorists on the BLoR are "unable to overtake slower vehicles for over 80 percent of the route, unless they attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvres at locations where sight distance is poor."

There are 19 speed limit changes on the BLoR, and 32 speed limit changes on the GWH on a standard day and 46 changes on a school day.  According to the NRMA this many speed limit changes mean "drivers are constantly required to check the prevailing speed limit, perhaps to the detriment of concentrating on other road attributes."

Economic boost to the Central West

Following the completion of the Expressway, it is estimated that traffic volumes along the route could almost triple by 2011.  By the end of the first five years of operation, it is expected the Central West will have experienced:-

• total economic growth of $268 million in gross regional product (GRP)
• $122 million in household income
• 3,062 full time equivalent jobs

Relief for Sydney's West

With Sydney's population growing around 640 people per week, the Bells Line Expressway will allow the development of new population expansion areas to ensure people have access to affordable and enjoyable lifestyles.  It will allow residents in areas like Lithgow to travel quickly and safely to jobs in Sydney's far west.

The Expressway will provide Sydney with a range of benefits including eased traffic congestion, improved air quality, fresh produce supply, access to outdoor recreational space, reduced land pressure and cost of living and improved market competitiveness.

Flood Free Crossing

The proposed Bells Line Expressway will connect with the M7 near Quakers Hill and continue onto Lithgow, with a new flood proof bridge to be constructed across the Hawkesbury River near Windsor.  The bridge will provide a vital escape route for residents living in this flood prone region and will compliment the lastest flood management and evacuation strategies.