Inquiry finds traffic congestion caused by Rozelle Interchange “unreasonable and unacceptable”

by ASPEN ABNER

A months-long inquiry has found that the traffic congestion caused by the opening of $3.9 billion Rozelle Interchange was “unreasonable and unacceptable”, considering the amount of planning that went into it. 

In their final report, the parliamentary committee also found a “concerning lack of clarity and transparency” between the government and Transurban. They also concluded that the project was based on maximising the sale value of WestConnex, effectively putting profits before people. 

The “spaghetti junction” is the final part of the $16.8 billion WestConnex toll road network, privately operated by the major toll road owner, Transurban. 

Kobi Shetty, Balmain MP, said the report proved how the local community was let down by those in charge. 

“Our community has borne the brunt of the fallout from this disastrous project, and we received none of the supposed benefits that were promised,” she said.

“The findings prove that local residents were sacrificed in order to further maximise the sale value of WestConnex.”

 “Meanwhile, our local community has been left with increased traffic congestion and serious safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Opening at the end of 2023, this area caused commuter chaos for months. 

Roads Minister John Grahams had said traffic would settle down after six months. Former Roads Minister Natalie Ward said that while the opening was less than ideal, issues have subsided. 

A Transurban spokesperson acknowledged the complaints but mentioned several highlights from the interchange. 

The spokesperson said that travelling from Penrith to the city could save half an hour for commuters, and that motorists from Liverpool and Parramatta to the city can save 15 to 20 minutes respectively. 

“Travel times on key surface routes have improved in recent months following the initial settling period, post opening,” says the spokesperson. 

The recommendations

The committee made 17 recommendations, including asking that the NSW Government begin looking toward additional public transport options, like buses and ferry services.

It also recommended looking at ways to stop rat running on local roads as an “immediate priority”.

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, the committee’s chair, says the government should learn from this botched project. 

“Local communities have endured increased traffic congestion, rat running, unsuitable and at times unusable active transport options, negative impacts on local business and increased road safety risks,” she says.

NSW Premier Chris Minns says the most upsetting part of this report was that the previous government was aware of the complications this interchange would bring to the inner west, but did not consider this factor in the final design. 

He also said a takeaway from the report was that governments had to better inform local communities of potential impacts of major projects.

“We’re determined when we pursue major changes, that the public are aware of how it will affect their community and we also take into consideration whether there’s better ways of providing this public infrastructure,” he said. 

The inquiry recommends 17 points to consider to alleviate the current issues plaguing Rozelle Interchange, including increased investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, traffic light signalling as well as additional public transport services. 

Shetty said, “As a global city, Sydney will continue to grow and responsible governments must continue to invest in the critical road and public transport infrastructure to keep pace with the population.”

An official response to the recommendations from the government is due by October 15.