Unexploded ammunition found under Albion Park Rail bypass worksite

The unexploded ordnance was reportedly dug up during work in the middle island that separates north and south lanes of the M1 Princes Motorway at Yallah near the Woolshed about 11am.

It was loaded into a dump truck before workers saw it.

The ammunition was removed from the truck and laid on fencing at the site.

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A Transport for NSW spokesman said work in the area stopped immediately and the project team were evacuated.

"NSW Police were contacted and arrived on site at 11.45am," he said.

"The NSW Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, members of the Australian Defence Force and other relevant authorities were also notified and attended the site.

"The UXO (unexploded ammunition) was taken offsite by ADF representatives at 2.30pm for safe disposal.

"A site assessment will be carried out prior to work restarting in the area."

A concerned resident who sent the Mercury a photo felt it could have been a dangerous situation if it had exploded with traffic on either side.

Unexploded ordnance is ammunition which has been fired, but has not functioned as designed and can be particularly dangerous as all the normal safety features have been overcome.

How the ammunition ended up buried in the ground is not yet known.

NSW Police warned people to not touch a suspect item including moving it to a safe location.

People are advised to call police who will arrange for its safe removal.