Residents and motorists in the Drummoyne area are experiencing severe congestion and delays following the opening of the WestConnex motorway interchange at Victoria Road-Darling Street. The interchange has caused significant issues for commuters and parents dropping off students at the nearby school, leading to frustration among the community. An online survey conducted to gauge resident feedback found that the majority of respondents reported negative outcomes, including being late to work and experiencing increased travel times. Additionally, many people expressed dissatisfaction with Transport for NSW’s response to their concerns, feeling that their issues were not being adequately addressed.
Inner West Council’s Labor Mayor Darcy Byrne highlighted the lack of promised benefits from improved travel times following years of construction on the WestConnex motorway. Residents were promised improved traffic flow, but instead, they are facing severe congestion and delays. Byrne emphasized the need for immediate solutions to address the ongoing traffic issues in the area, as waiting for future tunnel projects is not a viable option. The upcoming Western Harbour Tunnel between Rozelle and North Sydney is expected to provide relief to congestion, but its opening is still several years away.
Canada Bay Council’s Liberal Mayor Michael Megna echoed concerns about the congestion on the Drummoyne peninsula, noting that residents on once quiet streets are now experiencing constant traffic and difficulty leaving their homes. He criticized the current approach of changing traffic light sequencing along Victoria Road, labeling it as a temporary solution that only shifts the traffic problem to other areas. Drummoyne Liberal MP Stephanie Di Pasqua emphasized the need for real solutions to address traffic chaos, pointing out the use of rat runs and local streets as alternate routes due to the gridlock on Victoria Road.
Greens MP for Balmain Kobi Shetty highlighted the broader impact of the traffic chaos, including delays to public transport services in neighboring areas like Leichhardt, Lilyfield, and Balmain. The congestion on Victoria Road has led to delays of up to 40 minutes for buses, affecting the daily commute of many residents. Shetty called for a more equitable distribution of traffic flow, as the current prioritization of toll traffic for WestConnex has limited access to key routes, causing further problems downstream. She emphasized the need for Transport for NSW to address the broader implications of the traffic congestion and work towards solutions that benefit the entire community.
Overall, the community in the Drummoyne area is facing significant challenges due to congestion and delays caused by the WestConnex motorway interchange. Residents, parents, and commuters are feeling the impact of increased traffic, with frustrations mounting over the lack of effective responses from authorities. The ongoing traffic issues have not only affected local roadways but have also had a ripple effect on public transport services, leading to widespread disruptions in the region. With calls for urgent and comprehensive solutions, it is evident that a more coordinated approach is needed to address the current traffic crisis and improve the quality of life for residents in the affected areas.
