The $4.3 billion M8 motorway between Beverly Hills and St Peters is being enjoyed by many motorists while others are venting their anger over the toll.
Traffic was allowed into the twin nine-kilometre tunnels from midnight on Saturday, with the trip taking about 10 minutes.
Debate has raged on the Leader Facebook page over the toll, which is the same for the M8 and for the previously toll-free M5 East - $6.95 for cars and $20.86 for trucks.
Comments include:
- Did a run today St Peters to Hurstville. Worth the toll. Saves so much time. Works for me Gladys.
- I for one won't be using it. I can't justify $14 return a day plus the other M5 toll, even with cashback.
- I feel sorry for the residents of Forest & Stoney Creek Rds. It's going to be a nightmare.
- So where does rego or the fuel excise go? The tolls being charged are ridiculous.
- Everyone wants a better road system for Sydney but no one wants to pay anything for it.
- Still a lot cheaper than taking a train to international and domestic terminals.
The M8 is part of the massive WestConnex project, and the next stages will see the new tunnels linked to the M4, Sydney Gateway to the airport, and the the first stage of the M6 to Kogarah.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "We have already seen the huge difference that the New M4 project has made for Western Sydney, and we expect similar time savings on the M8 tunnels.
"In the first few weeks we expect drivers to take their time to get used to the changes, before seeing the full benefit of the project."
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said more than 18,000 workers were involved in the project.
State Labor spokesman on roads John Graham said motorists using the M8 or M5 East daily would pay more than $3300 a year.
"The M5 East was fully paid for when it opened in 2001 and has never been tolled," he said. "After two decades without an upgrade, commuters are having to pay."
Mr Graham said government figures showed motorists would pay the original $800 million cost of the M5 East at least 15 times over.
A Transport for NSW spokesman said the M8 tunnels would double the capacity on one of Sydney's most congested routes.
"This change was first announced in 2015 as part of planning and community engagement," he said.
Motorists who spend an average of $25 a week on tolls over a year are entitled to free registration, with discounted "rego' for those spending an average of $15 a week.