Major road works at the intersection of Princes Highway and Gray Street, Kogarah, will start tomorrow (Friday) and continue for up to seven months.
Roads and Maritime Services said the work would be carried out between 8pm and 7am from Sunday to Friday in up to 60 shifts from Friday, February 23, to Wednesday, September 5, excluding public holidays and weather permitting.
The length of the shifts means the morning peak will be well under way before work, including lane closures, is scheduled to finish, although south-bound traffic will be mainly affected.
The project will result in a faster flow for through traffic on the highway, but motorists will find it harder to access St George Hospital and Kogarah Town Centre.
A plea by Kogarah MP Chris Minns for the project to be postponed for further consideration went unheeded.
Mr Minns said the removal of the right turn into Gray Street for south-bound motorists would have a huge impact on Kogarah local traffic.
The work involves removing north and southbound right turn access from the Princes Highway into Gray Street and adjusting the median on the highway to allow for three southbound through lanes between Rocky Point Road and Ocean Street.
A No Stopping zone will be implemented on Gray Avenue to allow for safer turning movements from Rocky Point Road into Gray Avenue and improved traffic flow.
New pram ramps will be installed and a section of footpath on the south-east corner at the intersection connected to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.
Street lighting will also be adjusted to provide increased visibility for motorists at night.”
A RMS spokeswoman said the improvements were part of the state government’s Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program, which aimed to reduce congestion and improve travel times on Sydney’s key southern corridors.
“This is great news for the thousands of motorists who use this intersection and this work will aim to improve efficiency and provide more reliable journey times for road users,” she said.
“This is one of the busiest intersections at Kogarah with around 16,000 vehicles driving through each day so it is essential this improvement work is carried out.
“Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of noise to residents and businesses,” the spokesperson said.
“Electronic message signs will be in place to remind motorists alternative routes will be in place from this Friday to access Gray Street and St George Hospital.
“Access to Gray Street will be via Jubilee Avenue and Rocky Point Road while St George Hospital can be accessed via Rocky Point Road and Gray Avenue.
“Access to bus stops in the work zone may also be affected but traffic controllers will be on hand to direct bus customers to temporary stopping points nearby.
“Traffic control and lane closures will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.”
