Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, and NSW Minster for Roads, Michael Daley today announced the northbound section of the first stage of the F3 Freeway widening project is now open to traffic.

Mr Albanese said it is a significant step forward in the announced $119 million project which will reduce congestion and improve safety on the freeway.

“The widening of the F3 Freeway is designed to improve travel times, comfort and safety for the 70,000 motorists who use it each day,” said Mr Albanese.

“I welcome the opening of the northbound section of stage one which involved widening an 11.5 kilometre section of the Freeway to three lanes in each direction between Cowan and Mt Colah.

“When complete, this project will see three lanes in each direction between Wahroonga and the Gosford turnoff at Kariong.

“It follows the successful widening of the F3 Freeway between Calga and Jolls Bridge in 2004.”

Mr Daley said the jointly funded Federal and NSW Government project will help improve road safety in the area by eliminating merge points.

“Widening the road leads to a better traffic flow and means a safer journey for motorists because there they no longer need to merge lanes,” said Mr Daley.

“It also provides a safer separation between the north and south bound carriageways.

“We’ve resurfaced the freeway’s existing lanes making it a more comfortable and efficient ride for motorists now and into the future.

“The NSW and Federal Governments are committed to working together to make our roads as safe, efficient and comfortable as possible.”

Work on Stage Two of the F3 Freeway widening is currently underway.