Mr Corrigan said the Government had submitted a proposal for the M5 corridor expansion to Infrastructure Australia for its consideration but planning work would continue so work

could commence as quickly as possible, once funding was available.

``Around 95,000 vehicles use this corridor each day and the Government's proposal would significantly expand the busy motorway,'' Mr Corrigan said.

``By getting the planning work done now, it means that when funding becomes available, work can begin quickly.''

The proposed M5 corridor expansion includes:

1. Widening the existing M5 South West Motorway, operated by Interlink Roads, from two to three lanes in each direction

2. Widening the M5 East Freeway east of King Georges Road to four lanes in each direction

3. Four new lanes in tunnel to duplicate the existing M5 East tunnel, with improved air management

4. A new arterial road from the M5 East tunnels to the airport and the industrial areas of inner southern Sydney.

Mr Corrigan said the proposal directly impacted on Macarthur.

``That's why I'm encouraging people to have their say,'' he said.

Comments and submissions can be made by:

Email: m5expansion@rta.nsw.gov.au

Post : RTA, M5 corridor expansion PO Box 609, Pyrmont NSW 2009

Website: www.m5corridorexpansion.com.au

Phone: 1800 633 332.

Submissions close on February 19.