Sydney Gateway will open to traffic early Sunday morning, completing the final piece of the new toll-free connection to Sydney Airport.
After almost four years of construction and the efforts of more than 8000 workers, the Gateway was officially opened on Friday morning ahead of first vehicles expected by 4.30 am on Sunday.
The new five kilometres of motorway will transform airport access, saving drivers an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange, which connects to the M8 and on to Western Sydney.
For drivers joining the motorway network from Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith or Parramatta, Sydney Gateway unlocks a traffic -light-free run all the way to the domestic terminal.
Sydney Gateway is designed to handle 100,000 vehicles a day, including up to 10,000 trucks, providing a more direct route to and from Port Botany while improving safety on local streets in and around Mascot.
As with all major project openings, Transport is expecting a period of adjustment while motorists get used to the new motorway.
People driving to the airport are advised to plan their trip in advance, allow plenty of time and familiarise themselves with driver animations released in July that show in detail the new route options, including entry points, exit points, signage and road markings.
For the first time on a major new motorway project, members of the public have reviewed signage and marking in advance, helping Transport to make 100 improvements.
Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to facilitate traffic flow through the airport, and Transport will be working with Sydney Airport to ensure drop off points are managed
The $2.6 billion project has opened in stages since November last year to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport's domestic terminals, two twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.
To prepare for the opening the community is encouraged to view the driver animation and flyover videos of the complete journey options of Sydney Gateway HERE
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
"I want to thank the more than 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway. It will transform the way we drive to and from Sydney Airport - and hopefully take a little of the stress out of making a flight or meeting a loved one when traffic is heavy."
"This will help millions of Sydneysiders in and out of the airport in a smoother way, but also take up to 10,000 trucks a day heading to Port Botany off local streets."
"While Transport and Sydney Airport have been working hard to ensure the opening is a smooth take-off, I urge drivers to familiarise themselves with the new routes through the driver animations and expect some traffic impacts in the opening period"
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover said:
"Sydney Gateway construction has progressed well throughout the project such that we are fully opening to traffic ahead of time and within budget.
"Sydney Gateway is another first-class feat of Australian engineering and workmanship and I thank the 8000 workers who built this major road infrastructure project.
"We look forward to welcoming the first cars on the final stage of this transformative project for the airport precinct and Port Botany."
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:
"It's appropriate we are fully opening Sydney Gateway this Sunday on the first day of spring - the season of new beginnings.
"The new connections between the airport precinct and the motorway network at St Peters Interchange will give motorists a more direct, time-saving and safer link without having to drive through local Mascot roads.
"We encourage people to take another look at the in-car driver animations as we want to help people feel better prepared and more at ease before they drive the new routes on Sydney Gateway.
"Transport for NSW is ready for opening and has established a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre, where the road network can be monitored and adjusted in response to any congestion or incidents."
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:
"We're excited to see Sydney Gateway open to the public - a critical piece of infrastructure that will significantly reduce travel time from the west, enhancing connectivity and convenience for our passengers.
"Gateway will also bring substantial benefits to our local community by diverting cars and trucks off local roads and alleviating congestion.
"To support the opening, we're ramping up our kerbside operations and doubling the number of kerbside staff to ensure a smooth and efficient experience."
