Tunnel safety
The Eastern Distributor has advanced safety and monitoring systems, including 24 hour video monitoring. The tunnels also feature an automatic incident detection system, a fire detection system, and a traffic monitoring and speed information system.The lights in the tunnels vary according to outside light levels and are designed to allow your eyes to adjust from daylight to artificial light, so you don't even need to turn your headlights on during the day.
Safe driving in the tunnels
- Pay attention to safety messages on signs at tunnel entrances and to signals over each lane (green arrows indicate normal conditions, flashing yellow indicates caution and a red 'X' indicates that the lane is blocked or closed).
- Turn your radio on to listen to messages, also available via the public address system.
- In the event of an emergency, if it's safe to remain with your vehicle do so. Radio and public address system announcements will guide you through what to do in an emergency and the automatic incident detection system will enable us to locate you and send a tow truck or service vehicle to help you.
- If you do need to leave your vehicle to contact us there is an emergency telephone every 60 metres. Just press the button and you will be connected to the motorway controller.
- If you are asked to leave the tunnel you will be directed to go to the nearest emergency exit in the opposite direction to the incident. The door to the exit leads into an access stairwell and there are stairs to the tunnel going in the opposite direction, which is usually directly above or below the tunnel you are in.
- You are not allowed to stop within the tunnel, including emergency break down bays, unless you experience an emergency such as a breakdown.
General safety on the Eastern Distributor
- Cyclists and pedestrians are prohibited from the Eastern Distributor. Cycle lanes have been provided on alternative routes such as Bourke Street, South Dowling Street and Crown Street.
- Speed limits are clearly sign posted and vary for optimum safety. It's important to obey the sign posted speed limits, particularly the 40km zone at the toll plaza, for the safety of motorists, Eastern Distributor staff and contractors. Generally the Eastern Distributor speed limit is 80kph, but at the entry and exit ramps it is 60kph. Speed limits are monitored by RMS speed cameras and speeding may lead to a fine and loss of points under the government regulations.
- When travelling north from Anzac Parade, ensure that you do not merge and weave to exit the Cross City Tunnel westbound.
- When travelling southbound along the Eastern Distributor, you cannot merge and weave to exit to Randwick/Bondi.