Harbour Tunnel reopens after commuter chaos

TRAFFIC
Sydney’s Thursday morning commute was thrown into chaos following a brief shutdown at the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The Sydney Harbour Tunnel has reopened after its southbound lanes were closed early Thursday morning.

An overheight vehicle shut down all southbound lanes just before 7am, Live Traffic Sydney reported, throwing the city’s morning commute into chaos.

The truck shut down was brief, but traffic quickly banked up across North Sydney.

Radio station 2GB reported the traffic was queued about 8km into the Lane Cove tunnel further north.

TRAFFIC
The morning commute in Sydney was briefly upended by a ‘overheight vehicle’ in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw
TRAFFIC
The truck was moved to one side to help the traffic flow again. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The truck that closed the tunnel lanes was moved to the side and heavy vehicle inspectors attended the scene.

“If you can delay your journey into the city, you would be wise to do so,” 2GB host Ben Fordham said.

Regular morning traffic continues to clog the bridge and the tunnel into the city, but Live Traffic shows the commute is easing.

Motorists were advised to use the Harbour Bridge as an alternative and allow for extra travel time and to “exercise caution and allow some extra time” if going for the tunnel.