It seems motorists are happy to take a wait and see approach with NSW's first fully signalised roundabout at Oak Flats.
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New traffic lights were switched on early Monday morning as part of the $630 million Albion Park Rail bypass.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said controlling the traffic flow from the connecting entry and exit ramps along the Princes Highway would deliver safer, more efficient journeys for motorists travelling between Sydney and Bomaderry.
"All roundabout entry points are now controlled by new traffic lights 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making this the first roundabout in NSW to operate under full-time traffic light control," Mr Toole said.
"The new roundabout marks a huge step forward for the Albion Park Rail bypass project, which is on track to open later this year, 12 months ahead of schedule."
State Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson hoped the changes wouldn't cause too many concerns for motorists.
"I think we have to wait and see and monitor how the new roundabout operates. Hopefully it does what it is supposed to do and improves traffic flow. No residents as of yet have expressed any concerns," Ms Watson said.
Mr Toole said the roundabout had been designed to allow the majority of motorists to get where they want to go in one green light, typically only stopping for one set of signals.
"There will no longer be a need to give way or pick a gap when using the interchange, and cyclists will have a dedicated lane and bicycle crossing lights," he said.
The intersection closed from 6pm on Saturday, June 5 and reopened with lights activated at 5am Monday morning.
Mr Toole added the Albion Park Rail bypass project "will be a game-changer for the local community, with 65 per cent of vehicles expected to transfer onto the 9.8-kilometre bypass".
A new video is available on the Albion Park Rail bypass project website that shows the operation of the traffic signals at the Oak Flats interchange.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
