Contrary to claims made by Shellharbour MP Anna Watson that the speed limit on the interchange will be cut from 80km/h to 60km/h a Roads and Maritime Services spokesman said no decision has yet been made.

“Roads and Maritime Services carried out a speed zone review on the Oak Flats interchange after 38 crashes were recorded in the five years to April 2015,” the spokesman said.

“Consultation has been carried out with Shellharbour Council and NSW Police as part of the review.

“One of the changes being considered is a reduction to the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h.”

The spokesman said no decision on whether the speed limit would be cut or remain as is would be made before September.

Ms Watson had said that the interchange has long been known to cause concern for motorists.

“The Oak Flats Interchange is a gigantic roundabout with a series of entry and exit points,” Ms Watson said.

“It can be quite confusing for motorists who are unfamiliar with the interchange.

“Morning and afternoon peak times are seeing the interchange used more and traffic congestion is building up.

“This places additional pressure on motorists to move into and out of the entry and exit points quickly.”

Built in 2001, the circular road – which is occasionally tagged “the octopus” due to the large number of on and off ramps - sits on top of the Princes Motorway.

There are no fewer than eight entry or exit points at the interchange and the area is likely to get busier when the Albion Park Rail Bypass is built.

The southern end of the bypass will rejoin the motorway underneath the interchange.

Roads and Maritime Services staff have previously stated that the bypass is expected to have an effect on traffic using the interchange.