Be prepared for traffic congestion as thousands return to uni, TAFE

Residents, students and staff have been warned to prepare for heavy traffic conditions when Wollongong University and TAFE semesters start from Monday 3 March.

Temporary traffic changes will be introduced around the university and TAFE to manage congestion as thousands of students and staff return for the year.

In previous years, the high numbers of road users trying to access the area have resulted in long queues on the M1 Princes Motorway.

Transport for NSW is working with the institutions to prepare for the expected surge in traffic and will be ready with diversions and traffic control during the morning peak between 7:45 and 9:15 am.

If congestion occurs on Irvine Street, traffic will be diverted left to the university’s southern access (formerly western access) route via Murphys Avenue and Robsons Road.

Eastbound traffic will also be held at roundabouts to prioritise motorists entering the university.

Traffic exiting the M1 Motorway southbound will not be diverted left this year.

Transport for NSW Regional Director South Cassandra Ffrench said this year’s traffic management plan, which would be in effect until 11 April, would differ from previous years.

“The diversions on Irvine Street will allow traffic to keep moving safely on the roads around the university and education precinct, as well as reduce queuing on the M1 Princes Motorway approaching the university exit ramps,” she said.

Ms Ffrench said all motorists, including students and staff accessing the Wollongong Education Precinct, were encouraged to plan their journey, monitor traffic and travel times and consider alternative routes and transport options, such as bus, train or carpooling.

“The train is the easiest and most convenient way to reach the University of Wollongong, with free shuttle buses departing North Wollongong station for the university regularly during peak times,” Ms Ffrench said.

“If you live locally, why not try cycling, carpooling or the free Gong Shuttle which runs every 10 to 20 minutes through Wollongong.

“All are convenient options to avoid being stuck in traffic, and also have the benefit of reducing your carbon footprint.”

Bus access from University Avenue into Irvine Street will not be affected during the traffic management plan.

Residents will continue to have access to their properties, however, they may experience additional traffic along Murphys Avenue and Robsons Road during peak periods.

Motorists who need to access the M1 northbound ramp (towards Sydney) at Northfields Avenue during peak periods may be held at a roundabout, as priority will be given to traffic entering the university.

Alternatively, motorists can join the M1 Motorway northbound from Robsons Road at West Wollongong.

The free Gong Shuttle bus (routes 55A and 55C) runs every 10 minutes in a loop around Wollongong making stops at North Wollongong Station, Fairy Meadow Station, Gywnneville, Wollongong University and Innovation Campus.

There is also the North Gong Shuttle which transports commuters from North Wollongong Station to the university campus and operates weekdays from 7:50 am to 10 pm.

Visit Wollongong Council for information about cycling routes.

Click here for more details about the traffic changes.