Richard Capuano and Pauline Lockie didn't know each other before Australia's largest road project, the $16.8 billion WestConnex, threw them together for the worst of reasons.

It was bad enough when each had their inner-city St Peters home forcibly acquired by the state government at a price they say means they can't afford to move elsewhere in the area, given the strength of the Sydney property market.

Now, after an 18-month struggle, they and others are paying thousands of dollars in rent to the acquiring authority, Roads and Maritime Services, for the privilege of staying while pondering or being forced to appeal to the courts.

"I'm totally trapped," said Mr Capuano, who must pay $665 a week until he is forced to leave by early September on top of an existing $30,000 legal bill to date.