- Overnight roadworks finished late on the M8
- Sparked major traffic delays across Sydney
A major Sydney freeway has been thrown into chaos after roadworks finished late, causing both lanes of traffic to be closed.
The M8 Motorway tunnel between Euston Road and King Georges Road remained closed in both directions on Tuesday morning after overnight roadworks finished late.
The motorway was still closed at 7.30am on Tuesday, sparking a nightmare commute to work for motorists across the city.
Aerial photos show traffic backed up along the M5 for up to 27km from Ingleburn in south-west Sydney and is expected to remain heavy through the morning.
One lane in each direction eventually reopened on the M8 around 8am.
Traffic cameras shows traffic backed up on the M5 Motorway near Camden
Cars have come to a standstill in both directions in inner-city St Peters
Traffic was backed up for up to 27km on Tuesday morning with the M8 Tunnel still closed
‘Motorway crews remain on site, continue to follow their directions and allow extra travel time as traffic is still heavy on the approach,’ Live Traffic Sydney tweeted.
Some motorists reported their standard 50-minute drive into Sydney’s CBD took more than two hours as a result of the chaos.
‘Traffic is heavy on the alternative routes, and also on the M5. Expect delays and factor in extra travel time,’ an alert states.
There are similar traffic delays on the Princes Highway.
Motorists are advised to consider using the M5 East Motorway between Beverley Hills & Arncliffe or the M4-M8 Link between Haberfield and St Peters is open.
The WestConnex M8 includes a tunnel linking Kingsgrove to St Peters and a new extension which connects the M8 at St Peters to the M4 at Haberfield.
What’s usually a 50 minute drive into the city turned into a two hour nightmare commute on Tuesday morning. Pictured are delays on the M5
Motorists are warned to expect delays. Pictured is the Princes Highway during the peak morning commute on Tuesday