The first week of new and permanent southbound lane configurations on New South Wales’ Warringah Freeway has been hailed a success by Transport for NSW.
The changes to what has been called Australia’s busiest road started on 2 May, and impacted southbound access points for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Cahill Expressway.
They specifically include:
- Removal of the slip lane to Sydney Harbour Bridge;
- removal of access to Sydney Harbour Bridge from Ernest Street ;
- change to ramp arrangements at Falcon Street/Military Road and removal of access to Cahill Expressway ;
- opening of the new dedicated southbound bus lane along the Warringah Freeway, and;
- changes for overheight vehicles.
Josh Murray, NSW Transport Secretary, praised motorists for adapting positively to the new access routes, which also allows for a dedicated bus priority lane all the way across the Harbour Bridge.
“Traffic on the Warringah Freeway southbound has been performing well over the past week, despite the most significant traffic switches to date as we enter the final stages of this project,” he said.
“Around 250,000 vehicles a day use this freeway. Vehicle movements have been in line with a typical working week and traffic flows from all access points to the Warringah Freeway have performed well.
“Drivers are being patient, noting the new signage, and making route decisions much earlier. The traditional lane ‘chopping and changing’ on the southbound run creates the potential for crashes and confusion, which is why it’s been ironed out.”
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Jenny Aitchison, State Minister for Roads, said the first week had shown that changes to the freeway were working as expected.
“I want to thank motorists for the way they have adjusted to these major changes on the Warringah Freeway,” she said.
“Changes of this scale can take time to get used to, but drivers have done the right thing by planning ahead, choosing their lanes earlier and moving through the corridor carefully.
“Together, we have all helped keep traffic moving safely and smoothly through the critical first week of the new arrangements.”
More information can be found here.
