Trucks to be diverted off Rozelle Interchange amid traffic chaos

Construction trucks will be diverted from Rozelle Interchange during peak hour as commuters, including Hollywood star Rebel Wilson, rage at being stuck in traffic. Meanwhile, road sign writers have corrected a funny blooper overnight.

Large construction vehicles will be prohibited from accessing the Rozelle interchange during morning peak hour from tomorrow in a bid to ease traffic chaos plaguing the new road.

Trucks from two nearby construction sites will be redirected onto other roads between 7am to 9.30am to help improve the traffic gridlock which has crippled Sydney.

NSW Roads Minister John Graham said while he had sympathy for “the frustrations of some motorists” he ruled out making the interchange toll free while commuters get used to the new roads, saying it would be too difficult.

“A toll free period across the whole of WestConnex is obviously a very expensive way to introduce people to this gateway,” he said.

“The advice on that specific option is that it is very difficult, perhaps impossible.”

Traffic chaos continued to plague commuters for a third day on Wednesday morning as roads around Sydney’s new Rozelle Interchange remained backed up for kilometres.

Actress Rebel Wilson has vented her frustration. Picture: AFP

Commuters travelling to work took to social media to vent their frustration at the delays.

Even Aussie actress Rebel Wilson raged to her followers as she got stuck in the chaos

“Thanks Rozelle Interchange for now making a 15 minute trip into the city 90 minutes via Victoria Road – WTF,’” she posted on Instagram.

Sydneysider Roblintin Sandell posted on X it took him 45 minutes Wednesday morning to travel from Gladstone Park in Balmain to the CBD, where the trip usually takes around 14 minutes.

Another user complained it was impossible to get out of Balmain this morning as “every exit toward the Iron Cove Bridge is backed up for miles”.

Aussie Actress Rebel Wilson took to social media to rage about the traffic on Victoria Road on Wednesday.

“The Rozelle Interchange is an absolute dog’s breakfast,” another user complained.

“Local residents are taking up to 40 minutes to get out of Balmain and Rozelle – the lane markings at Iron Bridge are appalling, convoluted lanes merging into one.”

At 8am, Google Maps was predicting drivers commuting from Rozelle to the CBD would be stuck in traffic for an extra 20 minutes.

The City West Link at Haberfield was gridlocked heading into the city on Wednesday mornings. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Many commuters blamed unclear lane markers, with the worst choke points before the Anzac Bridge where two and three lane roads merge funnel drivers into one lane.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray did not rule out adding extra lanes to the interchange, saying “all options were on the table” but added it would be unlikely to come to that as the expectation is traffic conditions would improve as commuters got used to the road.

“We’re already seeing a dramatic change in the Victoria Road corridor, though I appreciate that’s not for everyone and there is a lot of motorists still being caught up,” he said.

“There will be an improved experience getting onto the Anzac Bridge.”

Transport for NSW co-ordinator-general Howard Collins defended the number of lanes on local radio saying that it was necessary to manage heavy traffic on the Anzac Bridge.

The City West Link heading into the city at Rozelle. Picture: Rohan Kelly

He added additional signage was in place to help motorists adjust to the new interchange.

“Come back to me after Christmas and if it’s still not working, I’ll have to eat something – my hat included,” he told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

The government scrambled on Monday morning to fix confusing signs that Premier Chris Minns conceded were “not good enough,” a day after the Rozelle Interchange finally opened to traffic.

The confusing signs led to motorists avoiding the free tunnel linking the Iron Cove Bridge and the Anzac Bridge — which bypasses Victoria Road — unaware they wouldn’t be slugged for using it.

“Many people weren’t aware that you could use a big chunk of that new roadway and not have to pay a toll at all,” Mr Minns said.

Despite the government putting in new signage, motorists say they are still struggling to know which lanes they are meant to be on.

Road sign blooper leaves commuters laughing

The repaired lane directions on Wednesday. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Roadworkers may like to have their time over again after confused motorists spotted the wrong word marked on a major roadway in Sydney’s inner west.

“Buses Expected” was painted on the left lane of Victoria Rd near Darling St, Balmain, sparking uncertainty for drivers travelling along the roadway on Tuesday afternoon.

Transport NSW confirmed on Wednesday morning that the road markings were instead supposed to say “Buses Excepted.”

Roadworkers amended and repainted the blunder overnight to its intended format.