The Rozelle Interchange opened this weekend. The Interchange includes a toll-free
underground bypass of Victoria Road, which is expected to reduce the number of vehicles
using Victoria Road in the future.
Disappointingly, the first peak hour traffic through the interchange this morning has revealed
serious issues, with traffic along Victoria Road coming to a standstill. Commuters have
expressed confusion at poor road signage, which fuelled extensive delays during this
morning’s peak hour.
Adding to the morning congestion, some residents were still not aware that the Iron Cove
Link was a toll-free section of the broader WestConnex network. These commuters were left
queuing to enter the Anzac Bridge from Victoria Road, rather than using what they believed
to be a toll road.
Kobi Shetty MP says:
“The opening of the Rozelle Interchange has been an absolute mess.
“Simple things like clear signage so drivers know which lane to be in should have been
installed before the interchange opened. It’s not something the Premier should be announcing
a day after the tunnel has opened.
“Why weren’t navigation apps notified of the changes with plenty of time to update their maps
prior to the opening? The traffic chaos this morning made it clear that these things have not
happened.
“More importantly, there should be signs to make it clear that the Iron Cove Link tunnel is toll-
free.
“I’ve heard from residents this morning who queued along Victoria Road to avoid what they
believed to be a toll-road, because they had seen no information to suggest otherwise. This
traffic chaos could have been avoided with better planning and better communication,” says
Ms Shetty.
With proper signage and communication, the Rozelle Interchange is expected to reduce to traffic along Victoria Road. This anticipated reduction in traffic presented a unique opportunity to revitalise one of our high streets by re-allocating road space to create shared spaces for people, not just cars.
“While the opening of the interchange was poorly managed by the government, once the signage is updated and our community is aware of the changes, we should still see a reduction in traffic on Victoria Road. I will continue to advocate for the government to use this as an opportunity to revitalise Victoria Road.
“Our local community has faced years of disruption during the construction of WestConnex, so it is so disappointing that the Rozelle Interchange has opened and there’s still so much work to be done to deliver the benefits that were meant to make it worthwhile for our community.
“Our community was promised a revitalised Victoria Road, with increased amenity for pedestrians, options for active transport and space for outdoor dining. I will hold the government to account on these promises.
“In the meantime, I’ll be continuing to listen to feedback from residents about their experience using the new Interchange to help ensure we minimise the impacts on commuters and local residents”, Ms Shetty says.
