Sydney Gateway Set To Open On September 1: All You Need to Know

The long-awaited Sydney Gateway will open on Sunday, September 1, allowing for shorter commute times and toll-free access to Sydney Airport. 

The $2.6 billion project has been under construction since 2021, and since November 2023 has opened in stages, unveiling the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the domestic terminal, the twin arch bridge near the international terminal, as well as improvements to Airport Drive.

Speaking about the project, Minister for Roads, John Graham stated, “Sydney Metro was a transformational infrastructure project for Sydney and the opening of Gateway is now going to transform that familiar car trip to the airport, whether it is to depart on holidays, return on business or picking up the family.”  

What to Expect

The five-kilometre stretch of motorway connects the airport and the St Peter’s Interchange allowing motorists on the M8, M5, and M4 to save an estimated 17 minutes of travel time to Sydney Airport.

Drivers coming from Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith, or Parramatta can now expect a traffic-light-free run to the domestic terminal and a single traffic light set into the international airport. 

In addition to shorter times, the motorway will provide an alternate route for 10,000 trucks per day travelling between the airport and Port Botany. 

According to the Minns Government, this will free up local streets and reduce truck congestion through Mascot.

Potential Hiccups

In light of the Rozelle interchange’s opening, which overwhelmed drivers, members of the public have tested signage and road markings prior to Sydney Gateway’s opening, leading to 100 changes.  

This is in addition to animated virtual drive-through videos that help drivers understand the route before using it. 

Despite these measures, the Minns Government has still urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the route and practise their journeys to avoid missing flights.     

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray commented that “There are always impacts when opening large infrastructure projects as drivers get used to new conditions.”

“We want people to reap the benefits of the new road connections straight away, so we are eager for as many people as possible to watch the in-car driver animations as these provide a perfect opportunity to see what is coming before opening.”

Additionally, kerb-side management measures will be in place at both terminals to help manage traffic flow through the airport. 

This week, Transport NSW is establishing a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre that will monitor and react to traffic incidents as the motorway becomes operational.

For more info visit: https://caportal.com.au/rms/sydney-gateway/sydney-gateway-opening-and-traffic-changes