3 February 2015

Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay and Member for Strathfield Charles Casuscelli today announced the introduction of a new clearway to cut congestion on Parramatta Road, following the huge success of the Victoria Road clearway.

“The NSW Government is committed to investigating where clearways can be installed across the road network as part of a congestion busting strategy to keep the people of Sydney moving,” Mr Gay said.

“I’m pleased to announce that in the next few weeks, motorists will enjoy a reduction in travel times due to the introduction of a new weekend clearway and an extension of the weekday clearway on Parramatta Road.

“After receiving strong community support, the weekday clearway will operate from 6am to 7pm and a new weekend clearway from 8am to 8pm between Wattle Street at Ashfield and the M4 at North Strathfield.

“The clearway is going to significantly improve M4 access – traffic queues will decrease, cars and buses won’t have to change lanes as often, travel speeds will be improved and freight will get around traffic easier.

“The new Parramatta Road clearway follows the highly successful introduction of a weekend clearway on Victoria Road at Rozelle – where motorists are enjoying a significant 40 per cent reduction in travel time.

“I’ve had glowing comments from the community on Victoria Road clearway, particularly from busy parents who tell me they can now get their kids to sport on time of a Saturday morning, which is just fantastic.

“The NSW Government is committed to cutting congestion for NSW motorists and clearways are a way of providing immediate relief, while we get on with delivering major projects like NorthConnex and WestConnex.”

“The clearway is a big win for the residents of Strathfield and the surrounding areas that currently spend too much time stuck on Parramatta Road,” Mr Casuscelli said.

“Local residents will also experience less hassle crossing Parramatta Rd and using local roads as they travel to shopping centres, railway stations and recreational facilities.

“I’ve been working hard to ensure Parramatta Road is a priority location for a weekend clearway as congestion regularly occurs between the CBD and M4 motorway, industrial areas and commercial centres.

“Parramatta Road is one of the busiest roads in NSW with 90,000 vehicles per day on both weekdays and weekends and I’m pleased the NSW Government is committed to doing everything we can to help local residents.

“Community feedback and alternative parking proposals are also being looked at for four other proposed sites along Mona Vale Road at St Ives, Lane Cove Road at Macquarie Park, King Georges Road at Wiley Park and Princes Highway at Blakehurst.

“The NSW Government has allocated $21 million across four years to help councils locate and secure alternative parking across all proposed clearways.”

MEDIA: Emma Higginson 0467 743 192

View the original media release.