3 July 2017

A three month trial of a full closure of the northbound Cleveland Street off ramp on the Eastern Distributor and South Dowling Street will be carried out by the motorways operators, Transurban, from Monday 10 July.

A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said the northbound off-ramp from the Eastern Distributor to Cleveland Street is currently closed between 6am and 10am and from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays.

“At other times, congestion on the ramp frequently extends back onto the northbound lanes of the Eastern Distributor obstructing the through lanes,” the spokesperson said.

“This often results in safety incidents and causes significant delays to northbound traffic in the morning peak.

“In recent years there has been around a 10 per cent increase in traffic on the Eastern Distributor and on South Dowling Street.

“Current traffic modelling has shown closing the Cleveland Street off ramp will result in reduced travel times during the morning and evening peak on the Eastern Distributor and on South Dowling Street.

“The trial is expected to reduce the stopping and starting of merging traffic on the side ramps, helping to provide smoother, faster and safer trips for local traffic movements.

“The trial will involve daily and weekly monitoring of travel times and journey reliability to validate the expected improvement in safety and journey times.

“During the trial, motorists accessing Cleveland Street from the Eastern Distributor will need to exit earlier, at the South Dowling Street or Link Road exits.

“The trial has been planned to start in the July school holidays when traffic volumes are lower so motorists can become used to the change.

“Signs will be in place to inform motorists of the change in access to Cleveland Street.”

This 24 hour ramp closure involves an extension of the existing morning and evening peak hour arrangements.

For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.