By Angus Thomson and Matt O'Sullivan
Confusing signage and new choke points were blamed for widespread traffic chaos in Sydney’s inner west on Monday, as thousands of peak-hour commuters navigated Australia’s most complex underground junction for the first time.
The first test for the new Rozelle interchange came on Sunday when its 16.6 kilometres of tunnels opened shortly after 5am, with transport officials saying the opening went relatively smoothly despite a few motorists making last-minute lane changes and one reversing on an open highway.
But as traffic surged during the morning peak on Monday, motorists were having particular trouble navigating one tunnel, causing heavy city-bound traffic along Victoria Road all the way back to Huntleys Point over Gladesville Bridge. Traffic was also heavy along Lyons Road leading onto the busy commuter route.
Transport management said this was because many motorists didn’t realise the tunnel between the Iron Cove Bridge and the Anzac Bridge was toll-free, meaning many stayed on Victoria Road when they could have bypassed the traffic by using the Iron Cove Link.
Commuters living in the Balmain and Rozelle, unable to access the tunnel between the Iron Cove and Anzac bridges, found themselves caught in standstill traffic as three lanes of traffic along Victoria Road were funnelled into one lane heading towards the city.
Rozelle commuter Ron Corby said the ramp signal lights were only letting two cars through the Victoria Road exit towards Anzac Bridge, with “little to no” traffic coming out of the new Iron Cove Link tunnel exit below.
He said his bus journey from Rozelle to Town Hall took almost twice as long as usual.
Rozelle resident Julian Peterson said his wife left to drive to the city but returned after she couldn’t even enter Victoria Road.
In the other direction, commuters were observed making last-minute lane changes to avoid copping toll charges as they were about to enter a tunnel in the interchange for the M4 motorway.
Heavy traffic on Victoria Road on Monday morning.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
The confusion had not led to any incidents along the new route, transport officials said.
While the traffic was not as heavy in the evening peak, confusion still reigned.
Transport for NSW co-ordinator general Howard Collins said changes to signage would be made “within the next few days”, but the government would not reconsider introducing a month-long toll-free period for the spaghetti junction.
“The route between Iron Cove Bridge and Anzac Bridge and back again is absolutely free so take that tunnel,” he said. “Just a big reminder that those two right-hand lanes [on Victoria Road into the new Iron Cove Tunnel] are free – no toll.”
Collins said making last-minute lane changes or reversing after getting in the wrong lane was “bloody dangerous” and against the law.
Chaos on Victoria Road and, inset, a confusing sign that will be changed.Credit: Nine
“You will face a fine. Police are making big patrols out there. I’ve seen a lot of police motorbikes about. Keep going if you’ve made the wrong decision and get to your destination safely as opposed to causing what could be a major accident,” he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns told 2GB radio on Monday morning he was confident the new interchange would help ease congestion, particularly along Victoria Road, and drivers would soon become familiar with the new network.
“It will be great … I think traffic behaviour will catch up, but obviously we want to make sure that there are no accidents and there are no delays for people who think that you have to pay a toll,” he said.
Transport for NSW is urging drivers to allow extra time to travel and be extra careful as commuters adjust to the new roads.
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