How often do you consider the roads you travel? Cumberland Hwy Interchange is more than just a connection point. It’s a place born from Sydney’s growth and need for better transit.
Cumberland Highway stretches 34 kilometers. It links the Pacific Highway and Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga with the Hume Highway at Liverpool. Its importance lies in its history. Cumberland Highway comprises several roads. Pennant Hills Road is one. Others include James Ruse Drive and Old Windsor Road.
Let’s take a trip back in time. The concept of Cumberland Highway began long before its official naming. Pennant Hills Road was a major route 60 years before becoming part of the highway. Sydney’s west grew and traffic increased. This led to today’s Cumberland Highway.
In 1924, the Main Roads Act was passed. Main Road No. 13 was declared in 1928. It ran from Wahroonga to Parramatta. Later, it continued to Lansdowne. This became State Highway 13 in 1929.
By 1964, State Highway 13 acted as a western bypass. Ring Road 5 made it official. In 1974, State Route 55 replaced Ring Road 5. The bypass turned into a major road due to Sydney’s growth. Freight traffic increased greatly.
Old Windsor Road was realigned in 1981. It connected directly to Briens Road. This was a step toward forming Cumberland Highway.
In 1984, a new highway was announced. It would replace the Church Street route. This new route would connect the Pacific and Hume Highways. Roads like Hart Drive and Cambridge Street were widened and connected. The railway underpass at Wentworthville was completed first.
On August 26, 1988, State Highway 13 was renamed Cumberland Highway. It ran from Wahroonga to Liverpool. State Route 77 was assigned to it.
In 1993, Metroad 7 replaced State Route 77. The Federal Government called it an interim National Highway in 1994. This lasted until Westlink M7’s completion.
Since 1994, Cumberland Highway has seen upgrades. Pennant Hills Road was widened.
Westlink M7 opened in 2005. Metroad 7 south of M2 Hills Motorway was rerouted. Metroad 6 extended north along Pennant Hills Road. In 2013, Cumberland Highway became part of route A28.
NorthConnex opened in 2020. It links the M2 with the Pacific Highway via a tunnel. This reduces congestion on Pennant Hills Road. Trucks and buses over a certain size must use the tunnel. Fines are in place for those that do not.
Cumberland Highway’s story is about more than roads. It reflects Sydney’s growth. It shows planning and adaptation. Next time you travel here, remember its rich past.