As part of the $600 million Urban Transport Statement released in November 2006, the NSW Government committed $100 million towards improving traffic flows on 23 of Sydney's busiest road corridors.

This traffic network management strategy or "pinch point" program targets peak hour traffic hotspots and investigates ways to relieve traffic congestion.

WHAT IS A PINCH POINT?

Pinch points are traffic congestion points, intersections or short length of roads at which a traffic bottleneck exists slowing down the broader network.  They cause a build up on traffic and travel delays at these spots and on the wider road network.

Roads and Maritime Services focus is to improve these main roads, with the aim of reducing delays, managing congestion, improving safety and maintaining reliable travel times particularly during weekday peak periods.

The program has included projects such as:

• Improving intersections.
• Widening small sections of roadway.
• Lengthening or widening busy right hand turn bays.
• Replacing heavily-used roundabouts with traffic signals.
• Implementing new tidal flow traffic schemes.
• Implementing clearways and parking restrictions during peak traffic periods.
• Incident management – installing closed circuit television (CCTV) and variable message signs.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Upon implementation pinch point projects:

• Improve the operational efficiency of Sydney's road transport network.
• Improve traffic flow and maximise use of road space.
• Help ease traffic congestion and improve the consistency of travel times for motorists, particularly during peak hours.
• Result in the better management of responses to incidents and planned events.
• Improve access of information to motorists while they are travelling on our road network.

PROGRESS

Roads and Maritime Services has completed over 80 projects within14 corridors with a total value of over $50 million.  Through 2010 and 2011 there are 26 projects that are under construction with another 14 projects being developed – these may be constructed through 2011/2012.

Proposed upgrade projects for 2011-2012

Roads and Maritime Services is currently investigating the following corridors for potential improvement projects for implementation in future years.

• Campbelltown Road
• Princes Highway
• Stacey Street
• Windsor Road
• Old Windsor Road
• Parramatta Road
• Cumberland Highway
• F3 Freeway and Pacific Highway 

Due to the complexity and constraints within each corridor Roads and Maritime Services is unable to provide advice on specific projects at this stage.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

We will continue to focus on:

• Working towards the NSW State Plan goal to increase the proportion of public transport trips.
• Improving traffic flow on the wider road network.
• Providing traffic information so drivers can make informed decisions.
• Develop and construct projects for the final year of the pinch points program.