M5 motorway (Sydney)

The M5 Motorway is a major arterial motorway in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, forming part of the Sydney Orbital Network. It comprises two sections: the M5 East and the M5 South-West.

The M5 East is a tolled underground motorway connecting the M5 South-West at Kingsgrove to the Eastern Distributor at Mascot, near Sydney Airport. It primarily runs through a tunnel under suburbs in Sydney's inner south. Its construction was controversial due to environmental and social impacts.

The M5 South-West is a tolled motorway connecting the M5 East at Kingsgrove to the Hume Highway at Prestons. This section is largely at surface level, although it incorporates some tunnels.

Together, the M5 provides a vital east-west transport corridor across southern Sydney, facilitating freight and passenger vehicle movements. The motorway has significantly reduced travel times between the south-western suburbs and the city centre and airport.

The M5 is managed by Transurban, a private toll road operator. Tolls apply to both sections, with different payment methods available. The motorway has undergone various upgrades and expansions since its initial construction, reflecting the increasing traffic demands in the Sydney metropolitan area.