What are the upcoming traffic changes at the Ernest Street interchange?

Two permanent changes will occur at the northbound off ramp to Ernest Street. These are:

• The western Ernest Street reversible ramp will become a permanent northbound off ramp at all times

• Motorists will now need to be in the outer northbound lanes of the Warringah Freeway to access the Ernest Street northbound off ramp. Access will no longer be available from the inner freeway lanes.

When do these changes come into place?

These changes come into effect from 5am Saturday 22 February 2025.

How is the Ernest Street reversible ramp changing?

Until now, the western Ernest Street ramp has been a reversible ramp, switching to a southbound on ramp during weekday morning peak hour, and then switching back to a northbound off ramp at all other times. Following this change, it will become a permanent northbound off ramp at all times. Any southbound travel during morning peak hour will be via the eastern Ernest Street southbound on ramp.

How can I access the Ernest Street northbound off ramp?

Drivers previously needed to be in the inner lanes of the freeway to access the Ernest Street northbound off ramp. From 5am Saturday 22 February, drivers will need to be in the outer northbound lanes of the freeway. If drivers are headed northbound over the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the decision point for accessing the Ernest Street northbound off ramp will now be earlier. Motorists will need to use lanes 2 or 3 on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get into the northbound outer lanes for the Ernest Street off ramp.

What does this mean for drivers coming from the Sydney Harbour Tunnel?

This change benefits drivers using the Sydney Harbour Tunnel northbound. As the tunnel exits into the outer lanes of the freeway, these drivers will also now have the option of exiting the Warringah Freeway at Ernest Street.

What are the traffic impacts travelling southbound during morning peak times?

The existing dedicated southbound on ramp has adequate capacity to handle the additional traffic that previously used the western Ernest Street during morning weekday peak hour. The upcoming change is therefore not expected to have a significant impact to traffic flow on this ramp.

What are the future changes for the Ernest Street interchange?

As part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, we are changing the Ernest Street interchange to a dedicated entry and exit point for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, removing access to and from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Introduction of access changes will be staged:

• Southbound access to Sydney Harbour Bridge: From late 2025, the Ernest Street southbound on ramp will no longer provide access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Drivers will instead need to use the Falcon Street or Miller Street interchanges to travel southbound to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be maintained via the Ernest Street southbound on ramp until this time. This change will be communicated to the public ahead of it being implemented.

• Northbound travel from Sydney Harbour Bridge: You will be able to continue using the Ernest Street northbound off ramp from either the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel until the Western Harbour Tunnel is complete, expected in 2028. Once the Western Harbour Tunnel is operational, access from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Ernest Street off ramp will be removed. This change will be communicated to the public ahead of it being implemented.

Why are these changes being made?

As part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, we are improving the Ernest Street interchange. These traffic changes will reduce the number of lanes drivers need to cross to get to their destination, making their journey safer and the road network more efficient.

Did we consult with the community about these changes?

These changes were described in the Western Harbour Tunnel & Warringah Freeway Environmental Impact Statement (see Chapter 5: Project description or Chapter 9: Operational traffic and transport), which was exhibited for public consultation from 29 January to 30 March 2020. Feedback on this consultation was provided in the Response to Submissions Report.

Where can I find more information?

For more information about the Ernest Street interchange:

• read the Ernest Street northbound off ramp notification [to link once approved]

• watch the Ernest Street northbound off ramp explainer video [to link once approved]

• read the Ernest Street Interchange fact sheet

• visit the Warringah Freeway Upgrade portal

• call 1800 931 189 or email whtbl@transport.nsw.gov.au