An additional 27 properties will be demolished in Sydney's inner west to make way for the WestConnex motorway project.

The NSW government is in the process of informing the property-owners, 22 of whom are residents, Premier Mike Baird announced on Thursday.

The properties join 201 acquired by the government to extend and widen the M4 Motorway and 159 that will be fully or partially acquired to connect to the M5.

“We wish a single property didn’t need to be acquired and we are committed to ensuring everyone affected by acquisitions is treated with dignity and compassion,” Roads Minister Duncan Gay said.

The 27 properties, on Victoria Road in Rozelle, will be acquired to accommodate a tunnel which will connect to the Iron Cove Bridge.

The tunnel, which is not expected to be tolled, will link up to a new interchange under the disused Rozelle rail yards, whereby motorists will be able to travel from the Iron Cove Bridge to the Anzac Bridge.

The rail yards, which run alongside City West Link Road, will be converted into a stretch of parkland that Mr Baird has described as a “game-changer”.

“What is currently an inaccessible eyesore will be reborn as parkland, with the potential for cycle ways, playgrounds and sporting grounds,” he said.

Up to 10ha of new parkland will connect Annandale and Rozelle via pedestrian and cycle links while providing a link between Easton Park and Bicentennial Park in Glebe, he said.

Mr Gay confirmed the project would not exceed the $16.8 billion budget.

WestConnex is expected to open to traffic in 2023 with additional constructions to continue until 2031.

WestConnex acquisitions

  • 27 properties along Victoria Rd will be acquired for the Rozelle Interchange
  • 19 properties were acquired for the M4 widening
  • 182 properties were acquired for the M4 east extension around Haberfield, Concord
  • 159 properties (41 owned by RMS) will be partially or fully acquired for the M4-M5 link
  • 10 reserves and 98 other RMS-owned properties will be affected