The new toll-free, time-saving connection to Sydney Airport from the wider motorway network is on track to open to traffic on Sunday 1 September.
The NSW Government today released virtual drive-throughs showing the signage, lane configuration, and exits that drivers will need to know when Sydney Gateway opens.
The animated videos put motorists in the driver's seat to see how Gateway connects the domestic and international terminals to the M8 and St Peters Interchange, and the wider motorway network.
Following the local traffic impacts that resulted from the opening of the Rozelle Interchange, motorists are urged to be as prepared as possible for how the new road works before Sunday 1 September.
For the first time on a big motorway project, signage and road markings on Gateway have been tested in advance with members of the public to ensure they are well understood. Feedback has led to 100 changes pre-opening.
Sydney Gateway's five kilometres of new roads will transform access to the airport precinct. Motorists will save an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange which connects to the M8, and the main routes to Western Sydney - the M5 and M4.
It will provide an alternative route for around 10,000 trucks per day travelling to the airport and Port Botany, reducing the number of trucks on local streets in and around Mascot.
As with all major project openings, Transport for NSW is expecting a period of disruption while drivers get used to their new routes. Local routes via Gardeners Road and Euston Road will still be available, but drivers who use those approaches are nonetheless encouraged to familiarise themselves with how Sydney Gateway works.
Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to manage traffic flow through the airport.
Since November last year, the $2.6 billion Sydney Gateway has opened in stages to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport's domestic terminals, two stunning twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.
Testing and commissioning work, including integration of safety and IT systems with the broader road network, will continue before the final green light is given for the September 1 opening date.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
"Sydney Gateway will transform the way we drive to and from Sydney Airport, plugging the international and domestic terminals directly into the motorway network.
"For anyone who has sat in traffic around Mascot as the minutes to a flight tick down, this will be a welcome piece of toll-free motorway, while the local community will see fewer trucks on their streets.
"Transport for NSW is working closely with Sydney Airport for the smoothest start but I urge all Sydney drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the animations we are issuing today.
"Sydney Gateway supported more than 8000 jobs during its construction and I want to thank each and every one of those workers for transforming the airport precinct and Sydney's entire road network for the better."
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover said:
"We will be monitoring and adjusting the network when Sydney Gateway opens. A few weeks after opening will be school holidays, which we know is a particularly busy time for the airport, so we expect there will be an increase in road traffic over that period."
"Construction work has progressed well throughout this major road infrastructure project, and it's exciting we are in the home stretch towards opening to traffic.
"This is a transformative project for the airport precinct and Port Botany, and we will be working closely with our stakeholders on a smooth transition to opening."
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:
"Sydney Gateway is more than just a new road; it's a critical infrastructure project that will significantly enhance connectivity to Sydney Airport, especially from Western Sydney. Important population and logistics hubs like Blacktown, Parramatta, Liverpool, and Eastern Creek will have significantly reduced travel times and a traffic light-free journey to Domestic.
"Gateway will also bring substantial benefits to our local community by diverting cars and trucks off local roads, thereby alleviating congestion, and reducing noise and pollution in the airport precinct."
