Classes started at the University of Wollongong on Monday – which usually means massive congestion around the Gywnneville campus.
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In previous years, the first few weeks of the university year sees long lines of traffic snaking along Northfields and University avenues.
Of more danger are the traffic queues on both the eastern and western sides of the M1 Princes Motorway.
It has gotten so bad that Roads and Maritime Services have decided to take action.
From Monday, RMS will spend the next six weeks working to alleviate the traffic snarls in the area.
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The plan includes encouraging students to use the university’s western entrance.
As the traffic volume coming off the motorway increased, RMS traffic controllers on the ground will divert traffic along Murphys Avenue and Robsons Road and into the western entrance.
To reduce traffic queues along the southbound motorway off-ramp, traffic controllers closed the right turn at the University Avenue roundabout between 8-9am.
Motorists had to turn left, then turn around at the next roundabout head back over the University Avenue overpass.
An RMS spokesman said the controllers will monitor the traffic flow and move to redirect vehicles if needed.
He said the motorway off ramps were the issue when it came to congestion on Monday.
“Traffic control and diversions were put in place once queuing started on the M1 Motorway,” the spokesman said.
“Congestion and queues started to ease once motorists were detoured onto the alternative western access route.
“Traffic control will be on-site from 7.30am [Tuesday] morning to monitor queues and it is expected diversions may be put in place from 8am.”
The University of Wollongong’s Chief Administrative Officer Melva Crouch hoped students would look for other ways to get to the campus.
“Traffic generally settles down after the first few weeks of session. In the meantime, we are urging staff and students to consider public transport, carpooling or active transport such as cycling or walking to minimise congestion,” Ms Crouch said.
“Parking is always at a premium on campus during session, particularly during the first few weeks with new students and new schedules.”
She said the university would be “closely monitoring” the number of people catching its free shuttles and introducing more in peak periods if required.
Ms Crouch said there were more than 800 bike racks throughout the campus and free carpool parking was available for those with three or more people in the car.