Truckies are being promised time savings of up to 17 minutes when using the new toll-free Sydney Gateway which fully opens to traffic from Sunday, September 1.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said the massive time saving can come when using the new connection from Sydney’s motorway network to Sydney Airport rather than Gardeners Road and through local Mascot streets.
The 5km of new roads will have capacity to carry over 100,000 vehicles a day and provide an alternative route for around 10,000 trucks a day, many who access the freight terminals at Port Botany.
Heavy vehicles travelling to and from Parramatta/Blue Mountains via the M4 and M8 tunnels are also encouraged to use Sydney Gateway to access Port Botany.
TfNSW said heavy vehicles travelling to and from Liverpool/Canberra via the M5 are encouraged to continue to use the M5 East tunnels to access the port.
Signage on the M5 will be updated to encourage drivers to travel on these roads. However, heavy vehicles will be able to access Port Botany using Sydney Gateway from the M8 and St Peters Interchange.
Third-party map providers (e.g Google Maps, Apple Maps) will be updated in line with the final traffic change on Sydney Gateway, said TfNSW.
“For anyone who has sat in traffic around Mascot as the minutes to a flight tick down, this will be a welcome piece of toll-free motorway, while the local community will see fewer trucks on their streets,” said Roads Minister John Graham.
“Transport for NSW is working closely with Sydney Airport for the smoothest start but I urge all Sydney drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the animations we are issuing today.”
Sydney Gateway has opened in stages since November last year to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption to motorists.
This included the unveiling of the new Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport’s Domestic Terminals, two Twin Arch Bridges close to the International Terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.