Picton Road Closures and Education Precinct Detours: Thursday Commute Update

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters navigating Wollongong and the surrounding Illawarra region this Thursday, March 19, 2026, should prepare for significant localized disruptions. While the M1 Princes Motorway remains open to through traffic, major infrastructure projects and local council works are expected to impact travel times during both the morning and afternoon peaks.

Wollongong Education Precinct Traffic Management

A primary alert for those heading toward the University of Wollongong (UOW) or TAFE NSW: temporary traffic management is currently in effect to manage the start-of-year congestion. Between 7:45 am and 9:15 am today, motorists exiting the M1 at University Avenue will be diverted left to perform a U-turn at the eastern roundabout. University-bound traffic is being detoured via Murphys Avenue and Robsons Road. Additionally, those travelling northbound using the Gwynneville exit must detour to the Northfields Avenue roundabout to access Irvine Street. Residents in Keiraville and Gwynneville are advised to use the Robsons Road entry at West Wollongong to join the motorway and avoid precinct delays.

Major Arteries: Mt Ousley and Picton Road

The Mt Ousley Interchange project continues to see high activity. While the heavy night-time full closures are reserved for earlier in the week, standard night works are scheduled from 7:00 pm tonight until 6:00 am Friday. Motorists should anticipate lane closures and a strictly enforced 40km/h speed limit through the construction zone near the base of the mountain.

A critical closure begins today in East Wilton for those commuting via Picton Road. Starting at 7:00 am this morning, Argyle Street will be closed between Almond Street and Camden Street for essential pipeline works. This 24-hour closure is expected to remain in place until Monday, March 23. Drivers accessing East Wilton from Picton Road should utilize Pembroke Parade or MacArthur Drive as alternative routes.

Local Roadworks and Council Maintenance

Wollongong City Council has confirmed several active work sites for today that may cause minor delays:

• Austinmer: Flood and stormwater maintenance on Railway Avenue.
• Figtree: Traffic and transport upgrades on Bellevue Road and Whelan Avenue.
• Dapto: Roadworks continuing on West Dapto Road and Burke Road.
• Coledale: Active sites on Cater Street and Cokeworks Road.
• Windang: Minor traffic control measures on Windang Road for infrastructure repairs.

Public Transport Status

The T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines are currently operating on a standard weekday timetable with no major trackwork reported for Thursday daytime services. The free 'Gong Shuttle' (Routes 55A and 55C) remains the most reliable method for travel within the CBD and to the university, helping to alleviate the current parking pressures at the Wollongong Education Precinct.