Daytime Construction and Weekend Trackwork to Impact Wollongong Commuters

Commute Overview for Friday, 30 January 2026

Commuters in the Illawarra region should prepare for a mix of ongoing infrastructure projects and scheduled public transport adjustments this Friday. While major arterial roads remain open during peak daytime hours, the final stages of the current night-work cycle at Mount Ousley and the commencement of weekend trackwork on the South Coast Line will require careful planning for those traveling late in the day.

Mount Ousley Interchange Construction

The $390 million Mount Ousley Interchange project is currently in a high-activity phase. Following a series of night works that concluded early Friday morning, construction has returned to the standard daytime schedule of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Motorists should be aware of the following conditions:

• Reduced Speed Limits: Speed restrictions remain in place through the work zone on the M1 Princes Motorway. Commuters are advised to adhere to the 80km/h and 60km/h zones to ensure the safety of workers and fellow drivers.
• Heavy Vehicle Movements: Expect an increase in truck movements as soil and material are transported between work sites near the University of Wollongong.
• Pedestrian Access: The Northfields Avenue pedestrian bridge remains open, but localized diversions near the TAFE and University precinct may be in effect due to ongoing pavement work.

Arterial Road Updates

Traffic on the M1 Princes Motorway and Memorial Drive is expected to follow typical Friday patterns, with heavy southbound flow likely starting from mid-afternoon. On Picton Road, Transport for NSW continues geotechnical investigations and field assessments as part of the safety upgrade program. While no full closures are scheduled for today, minor lane shifts may occur between the Nepean River and the M1 interchange. Drivers are encouraged to allow an additional five to ten minutes for transiting this corridor.

Public Transport and Trackwork Alerts

Commuters utilizing the South Coast Line should be mindful of the weekend trackwork schedule starting tonight, Friday, 30 January. Major impacts include:

• Friday Night (from 9:40 pm): Buses will replace trains between Cronulla and Sutherland. While this primarily affects the T4 line, South Coast Line passengers connecting through these hubs should check for adjusted timetables.
• Early Saturday Morning (from 3:00 am): Buses will replace trains between Dapto, Port Kembla, and Sutherland. Those planning late-night or early-morning travel on Saturday should prepare for significantly extended journey times.

Commuters are advised to complete their rail journeys early on Friday evening to avoid the initial shift to replacement bus services. For real-time updates, please consult official transport apps or the Live Traffic NSW website before departing.