Widening of the F3 Freeway between Cowan and Mt Colah

The project

A 12 kilometre section of the F3 between Cowan and Mount Colah is being widened from four to six lanes. The project will improve traffic flow and road safety while reducing travel times.

When completed the project will provide three continuous travel lanes in both directions between Wahroonga and Kariong (approximately 43 kilometres).
The $119 million project is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.

The F3 Freeway between Sydney and Newcastle is part of the Auslink National Network with approximately 75,000 motorists using the freeway each day.

The widening of the freeway is being undertaken in a similar way to the freeway widening completed in 2004 between Calga and Jolls Bridge.
Construction will largely be undertaken within the central median.

Construction traffic arrangements

Revised traffic arrangements have been implemented to ensure motorists and workers safety and will remain in place until the completion of widening works.

These include:

• A reduced speed limit from 110km/h to 80km/h.
• Two traffic lanes in each direction separated from the construction zone by a continuous concrete barrier.
• 24-hour RTA traffic emergency patrols.
• Tow trucks on standby to respond quickly to traffic incidents.
• Monitoring of freeway conditions by RTA cameras.
• Variable Message Signs along the freeway to alert motorists to road and traffic conditions.

Construction works have commenced and the project is expected to be completed in 2009.

Upcoming works

Night works, involving milling of the existing asphalt surface on  the  F3  freeway and associated pavement maintenance works will be carried out on northbound lanes north of Kuring-gai Chase overbridge, for a length of approximately 4Km.

The works will occur on the northbound carriageway in October and November 2008. The work is being carried out at night to minimise traffic delays and to ensure the general safety of road users and workers.

Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the effected section of the F3 Freeway, with the speed limit reduced to 40km/h.  During construction every practical and feasible measure will be undertaken to minimise impacts on nearby residents and road users.

The works will be carried out in stages.  Motorists will be advised on the duration of the night works and any ramp closures, if required by roadside variable message signs at least one week prior to commencement of the works.

Contact information

For all construction related enquiries, or if you wish to register a complaint please contact the construction contractor BMD major projects Pty Ltd on 02 9457 6759.

All calls received by BMD will be logged and forwarded daily to the RTA's project manager detailing the issue and action taken.

For all other project related enquiries please contact during business hours the RTA's project manager Jeffrey Gilham on 9457 6742 or by email Jeffrey_Gilham@rta.nsw.gov.au.