Sydney drivers are taking to social media to vent their frustrations about the city's most neglected and damage-inducing roads. A recent Reddit thread asking "where is our current...sh*ttest road?" has exploded with responses, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with road conditions across various suburbs.
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Parramatta Road: The Undisputed "Champion"
The overwhelming consensus points to Parramatta Road as Sydney's most notorious road. Redditors cited numerous issues:
- Potholes: Described as "Grand Canyon" sized, these potholes are reportedly damaging tires and wheel alignment.
- Uneven Surfaces: The concrete surface is described as "crappy" and uneven, particularly problematic for vehicles with low-profile tires.
- Traffic Congestion: Parramatta Road's role as a parallel route to the tolled M4 motorway creates significant bottlenecks, particularly near the Strathfield M4 entrance. One user described the single-lane section there as "criminally too small."
- Aggressive Driving: The combination of poor road conditions and heavy traffic leads to aggressive driving, with frequent lane changes and cut-ins.
- Flooding: The road is prone to flooding, even during light rain, as reported by one user who experienced flooding during a recent storm.
- Constant Road Works: Road works are a regular issue.
One Redditor summarized the experience: "I felt more safe driving down roads in Iraq...than I do on Parramatta Road." Another blew a tire hitting an unavoidable pothole.
Dylan Anderson
Other "Contenders" for Worst Road:
While Parramatta Road dominated the discussion, other roads received numerous mentions:
- Canterbury Road: Described as "shitty" and a "dream compared to Parramatta" (which is a damning indictment!).
- Pittwater Road: Motorcyclists and bus riders, in particular, singled out Pittwater Road for its poor condition, especially after resurfacing work.
- Hawkesbury Area Roads: Multiple users cited widespread pothole problems in the Hawkesbury region, particularly after recent floods. Specific mentions include Kurmond Road and roads in Agnes Banks.
- M2 Motorway: While a toll road, the M2 was criticized for poor lane markings, especially in wet conditions or bright sunlight, causing issues with lane detection systems.
- General Holmes Drive (near the airport): The left lane going under the runway towards the M5 was nominated for its poor condition.
- Narellan Road.
- Victoria Road (Top Ryde): Cited for its confusing intersection and drivers not staying in their lanes.
- Hume Highway (Liverpool Road): Another road nominated for its poor condition.
- Windsor: Multiple mentions.
The Toll Road Debate:
The discussion also highlighted a recurring complaint: the impact of tolls on traffic flow. Many users argued that high tolls on the M4 force drivers onto Parramatta Road, exacerbating congestion and road damage. Some called for the removal or reduction of tolls to alleviate the pressure on Parramatta Road.
The Gables/Blacktown LGA:
The original poster specifically mentioned "The Gables" and roads in the Blacktown LGA (Local Government Area) as being particularly bad due to heavy truck traffic from construction. It was clarified that The Gables is actually in the Hills Shire, but the general point about construction traffic damaging roads in new development areas resonated with other users.
Dylan Anderson
What's Being Done?
The Reddit thread doesn't offer solutions directly from authorities. However, it's clear that road maintenance and traffic management are major concerns for Sydney drivers. The discussion highlights the need for increased investment in road repairs and potentially a review of toll road policies.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
