One of Sydney’s busiest motorways is backed up – with cars sitting bumper to bumper – following the shutdown of almost all of the city’s train services.
The M5 traffic jam follows after nearly every single train in Sydney stopped operating in the early hours of the morning, with many commuters choosing to drive.
Traffic was backed up 22km on the M2 motorway. There was also gridlock on Victoria Road, the M5 and Hume Highway.
Students and aged care workers eager to go to work told reporters due to the delays they would be at least an hour late.
Transport for New South Wales has issued an apology to commuters impacted by the dramatic multi station closures in a statement today.
“It was clear at midnight following a weekend of intensive negotiations between Transport for NSW, NSW TrainLink and the RBTU [Rail, Tram and Bus Union], that Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink would not be able to safely operate train services,” the government agency said.
“This was a difficult decision to make, but we cannot and will not compromise on safety.”
The government has opened all transit lanes across the city up to the public in an effort to ease dramatic delays.
The union has denied trains were cancelled because of a strike, saying staff turned up for work only to be told by management services had been cancelled.
Sydney commuters also faced major traffic delays this morning because of a multi-vehicle crash in northwest Sydney.
Authorities have advised one of the three eastbound lanes remain closed on the M4 – just past the Prospect highway – after multiple vehicles crashed.
Traffic is heavy through the area.
Authorities have urged eastbound Sydney residents to allow extra time to travel and exercise caution on the road.
A second crash in Sydney’s north left two of three northbound lanes closed this morning following a motorcycle accident.
The accident on Church St at Well St sparked heavy traffic along the Ryde Bridge as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
The site has now been cleared.
