Ready for takeoff: Sydney Gateway now open
Sydney Gateway is now open to traffic, 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 first vehicles drove the new Gateway route early Sunday 1 September.
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.
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