Road sign causes commuter chaos
Commuters travelling in Sydney’s inner west have come to a standstill after a new road sign caused chaos.
Cars were beginning to back up at the WestConnex Rozelle interchange before 8am on Monday. It’s believed drivers were left confused by a sign suggesting there was a toll for the tunnel, which is actually free.
The “spaghetti junction” seeks to connect drivers to the M4 and M8 tunnels, the City West Link, the Western Distributor and access to the Anzac Bridge with a toll-free bypass of Victoria Rd.
Those trying to avoid the non-existent fee tried to switch lanes and get onto Old Victoria Rd, with commuters now being urged to take the tunnel and ease the traffic build-up.
“Clearly it’s confusing, that spaghetti junction is difficult to navigate and a lot of cars’ GPS haven’t caught up because there has been no traffic activity before today,” NSW Premier Chris Minns told 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Monday morning.
“We’ll change that sign and I understand the Minister for Roads is putting up those portable electronic signs to show people that you can use that road in particular and not pay the toll.
“Hopefully, no one is reversing their way out of a very difficult and dangerous intersection because that’s very dangerous,” he added.
A Traffic Management Centre spokesperson said traffic had improved, with cars backed up all the way to Huntleys Point at the situation’s worst.
They said drivers “weren’t aware” of variable signage that explains there is no toll to travel through to the Anzac Bridge, with people confusing themselves with overhead signage that mentions the word “toll”.
Live Traffic NSW confirmed the WestConnex Rozelle Interchange was “now open” and warned traffic conditions were subject to change at various times.
“Changes to traffic conditions may be in place at various times along City West Link, Victoria Rd, and other nearby roads as a result of the Rozelle Interchange project,” an update from Live Traffic NSW read.
“These changes will include a combination of lane closures and stop/slow traffic control.”
Traffic control personnel are said to be in place to help motorists and pedestrians during work.
