Lane Cove Tunnel Overview Report – Gore Hill Corridor TUNNEL

M2 Mowbray Road West LANE COVE LANE COVE

Epping Road Stringybark Creek

Pacific Highway Longueville Road

Willoughby Road

Falcon St FROM THE MINISTER

Sydney’s north-west has transformed in the last 20 years to become one of the fastest growing areas in the metropolitan region.

The growth of the northern suburbs has placed increasing pressure on key regional roads such as and the Gore Hill Freeway, which are reaching capacity.

We need an integrated transport solution to create better road and public transport links.

The offers a solution – freeing up city- bound traffic and returning streets to residents living along the route. It is part of Action for Transport 2010 - the Carr Government’s ten-year plan to deliver new rail, bus and road links.

The Lane Cove Tunnel would complete a missing link in the orbital road network, delivering valuable travel-time savings to motorists and reducing fuel, freight and vehicle operating costs for businesses. It would also allow for significant improvements to public transport services throughout Epping, East Ryde, Lane Cove, Willoughby, Artarmon and North Sydney.

The Government has prepared an Overview Report to consult the community about the Lane Cove Tunnel.

I welcome your comments on this major project, which will provide lasting benefits for Sydney residents.

Carl Scully MP MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT MINISTER FOR ROADS

CONTENTS

Introduction 3 Need for the Project 4 Transport Planning 6 Project Objectives 7 Lane Cove Tunnel Proposal 8 Connections 10 Alternatives Considered 12 Ventilation and Air Quality 15 Environmental Issues 16 Transport Improvements 18 Public Transport 20 Epping Road 21 Community Involvement 22 Consultation Process 23

2 INTRODUCTION

The NSW Government is committed to improving Sydney’s transport network and has developed Action for Transport 2010 – a fully funded ten year construction plan for new Options rail, bus and road links. The Roads and Traffic Action for Transport 2010 includes the proposed Lane Authority has Cove Tunnel, a new road link between the Motorway investigated six options at East Ryde and the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon. for the Lane Cove Tunnel: The Lane Cove Tunnel link has been extensively examined since the opening Option H1 a long of the Gore Hill Freeway in 1992. The tunnel from the Lane opening of the M2 Motorway in 1997 Cove River under has provided added impetus for a link. Mowbray Road West to the Gore Hill Freeway. The Lane Cove Tunnel would provide a 3.4 km freeway standard connection via Option H2 a short twin, two-lane tunnels to reduce traffic tunnel from Sam congestion in the Lane Cove, Johnson Way under Willoughby, North Sydney and Ryde Mowbray Road West to council areas. the Gore Hill Freeway. The Lane Cove Tunnel would provide a 3.4 km The Minister for Roads, Mr Carl Scully established the M2 Option H3 a long freeway standard – Epping Road Task force, with the mayors of Lane Cove, tunnel from the Lane connection via twin, Willoughby, North Sydney and Ryde representing all local Cove River under two-lane tunnels to government areas affected by the proposal. The RTA Epping Road to the reduce traffic Gore Hill Freeway. congestion in the Lane consulted community groups on each of the options Cove, Willoughby, North developed by the task force. The task force concluded that Option H3A two short Sydney and Ryde a modified option H3A was preferred. tunnels, one from the council areas. This option is also preferred by the RTA and has been to the further developed for this Overview Report to enable western side of community consultation to occur prior to the development of Stringybark Creek and an EIS. the second from the eastern side of A longer community consultation process is part of the Stringybark Creek to NSW Government’s more extensive planning procedures the Gore Hill Freeway. used for all planned major transport and road projects, including the Parramatta Rail Link, the Liverpool to Option H4 a short Parramatta Bus-only Transitway and the . tunnel from Johnston Crescent under Epping This report is the next stage in the consultation process and Road to the Gore Hill outlines the preferred option. Freeway.

Option H5 a short tunnel from Tantallon Road under Epping Road to the Gore Hill Freeway.

3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

Sydney is ’s largest population centre, commercial and industrial development making it a key economic centre in the Asia-Pacific region. Today there are more than four million vehicles on NSW roads, with more than 50 per cent of vehicles located in Sydney.

The expanding commercial centres of Chatswood, St Leonards, North Sydney and North Ryde generate significant jobs growth. An efficient and accessible road network is critical for further business growth in the region.

In particular, the north-west region is one of the fastest growing population centres in the greater metropolitan area. More efficient public transport links are needed to encourage less car usage and improve Sydney’s air quality.

The NSW Government recognises that integrated road and transport improvements are needed along Sydney’s north-west and northern corridors for commuters, businesses and local residents.

The Government’s Action for Transport 2010 includes the construction of the Parramatta Rail Link, a $1.4 billion, 27 km heavy rail link from Parramatta to Chatswood via Epping. The Parramatta Rail Link is the longest rail line to be built in Sydney since the Blacktown to Richmond line was constructed in 1864. It will link universities,

The lack of a freeway-standard connection causing congestion on Epping Road and Mowbray Road West.

4 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

hospitals and business centres along the route. For more details on this project see: www.transport.nsw.gov.au.

For local motorists, traffic congestion along Epping Road and Mowbray Road West is making short journeys to shops, schools and other community facilities increasingly difficult and time consuming.

Heavy traffic volumes make it harder for residents living along Epping Road and Mowbray Road West to enter or leave their driveways safely. Busy roads make it more hazardous for local pedestrians and shoppers to cross the street and increase the risk of accidents for cyclists. Reducing congestion High traffic volumes increase noise levels and reduce air along Epping quality in residential areas. Road would improve Traffic delays also impact on local businesses wishing to public access customers and suppliers. In addition access to transport. essential services such as Royal Hospital has become more difficult during peak times.

North-facing ramps to and from the at Falcon Street were once planned as part of the Gore Hill Freeway, but were never built. This has increased congestion along the Pacific Highway at North Sydney and surrounding local areas.

5 TRANSPORT PLANNING

Local Area Between 1981 and 1991, Sydney’s Improvements population grew by 12 per cent but was overtaken by 14 per cent growth in car The RTA in consultation ownership and 20 per cent growth in car with local councils and use. the community will develop Local Area The NSW Government is rebuilding the Improvement Plans public transport system to encourage the (LAIP) to optimise local community to use it more often, to reduce traffic improvements as traffic congestion and improve air quality. part of EIS process. The Action for Transport 2010 sets out a plan process will: to deliver a more integrated public transport system well into the next ➤ Include Lane Cove, century. Willoughby, North Sydney and Ryde Initiatives such as transit lanes and bus council areas. priority measures increase bus patronage and help to improve air quality. The Lane Bus patronage has ➤ Maximise benefits to increased dramatically Cove Tunnel would provide further opportunities to expand local communities. with the introduction of these public transport improvements. transit lanes and bus ➤ Be part of the EIS priority measures. These process. The Lane Cove Tunnel provides the missing link in initiatives have improved Sydney’s orbital road network and will alleviate these Sydney’s air quality. ➤ Improve amenity problems caused by traffic congestion along the route. Above is the highly and access in local successful transit lane on areas. Completion of the Lane Cove Tunnel would enable Local the harbour bridge. Area Improvement Plans for public transport and traffic improvements to be developed to maximise benefits arising from less through traffic on Epping Road and surrounding local streets, including opportunities for better bike access.

Route of the Parramatta to Chatswood Rail Link.

6 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Objectives

The Lane Cove Tunnel would:

➤ reduce traffic volumes on surface roads

➤ provide a missing link in Sydney’s orbital road network

➤ improve public transport in north western Sydney

➤ improve conditions The preferred option for the Lane Cove for buses, cyclists Tunnel and transport improvements and pedestrians would: ➤ reduce travel times ➤ Reduce traffic congestion along for motorists, freight Epping Road and Mowbray Road West. and business vehicles ➤ Improve travel times for freight, ➤ commercial and private vehicles. improve local amenity ➤ Make traffic conditions safer for local ➤ pedestrians and cyclists. manage and contain The LCT would provide the trend for traffic reduced travel times to ➤ Improve access to health and education services such growth in the important job centres including North Ryde, as Royal North Shore Hospital, Macquarie University, corridor Chatswood, St Macquarie Shopping Centre and Chatswood Shopping ➤ minimise or prevent Leonards, North Sydney Centre. and Macquarie Centre. adverse ➤ Improve access to jobs in business centres at North environmental Sydney, Lower North Shore, St Leonards, Artarmon, impacts North Ryde, Chatswood and Lane Cove. ➤ minimise any ➤ Improve public transport links, including transit lanes construction impacts on Epping Road and the Gore Hill Freeway. ➤ minimise any visual ➤ Reduce through traffic in local streets. impacts

➤ Provide more residential parking, bus bays and ➤ be developed in landscaping. consultation with the local ➤ Reduce the impact of traffic on local streets, improving communities. air quality and reducing noise.

7 LANE COVE

The Proposal Entrance at Epping Road Key elements include: Direct M2 link to the western tunnel portal. Epping Road eastbound traffic would access the tunnel portal via a ➤ twin two-lane merge lane. An exit ramp would enable westbound traffic to tunnels between the join Epping Road after the tunnel exit. M2 at East Ryde and the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon

➤ upgrade at Pacific Highway /Gore Hill Freeway /Longueville Road Chatswood ➤ upgrade the War Memorial Chats Athletics Field Avia Golf C intersection of M2 n Cres Epping Road and A Mowbray Park v i a

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Epping Road/Mowbray Road West A signalised intersection at Epping Road and Mowbray Road West would maintain all movements between the two roads, but not between Mowbray Road West, the Twin Two-Lane Tunnels (3.4km long) tunnel and M2. Starting just east of Mowbray Road West/Epping Road intersection, the tunnels would continue southeast beneath Epping Road and Stringybark Creek to Longueville Road, Western Tunnel Portals joining the Gore Hill Freeway east of the Pacific Tunnel portals would be located on Epping Road, east of Highway. the Mowbray Road West and Epping Road intersection.

8 TUNNEL PROPOSAL

Pacific Highway Connection Cost Eastbound A single lane eastbound tunnel departs near Parklands The Lane Cove Tunnel is Avenue and continues along the northern side of estimated to cost $550 Longueville Road and connects to the loop road around million funded by a toll. the “Northview” apartments (✽) and joins the Pacific Only traffic using the Highway at the intersection with the Gore Hill Freeway. tunnel and the new ramps at Falcon Street would be tolled – Eastern Tunnel Portals proposed to be about $2 and $1. Electronic tolling The eastern tunnel portals are located on the Gore would be used. Subject Hill Freeway east of the Pacific Highway. N to planning approval the project would open in swood 2004. Course

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Pacific Highway Connection Westbound Traffic from the Pacific Highway wishing to travel westward in the tunnel would enter via a ramp at Broughton Road on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway. The ramp would loop clockwise and enter a tunnel east of Alto BMW (✛) and connect to the Gore Hill Freeway westbound main tunnel. The Gore Hill Freeway widened to create a Transit Lane in each direction from the Pacific Highway to Warringah Freeway. Widening only on the northern side of the Freeway.

9 CONNECTIONS

Mowbray Road Features of the preferred Lane Connections Cove Tunnel option include:

The connections at the western end of the The Mowbray Road West tunnel are designed to: ➤ A signalised intersection at ➤ link the M2 to the Mowbray Road West is tunnel retained, enabling all- direction traffic movements ➤ maintain Epping between Mowbray Road West Road links and Epping Road. This intersection would be ➤ provide access from relocated east along Epping Epping Road to the Road. tunnel in both Traffic along Mowbray ➤ directions. There would be no direct connection between Mowbray Road West would be Road West and the M2 Motorway or the Lane Cove reduced by the tunnel. Pacific Highway Tunnel. Connections ➤ A new bridge for Epping Road built over the Lane Cove The connections at the River, north of the existing bridge to enable the eastern end of the construction of tunnel portals and a new eastbound tunnel would: carriageway.

➤ link with the Gore ➤ Entry to the tunnel would grade down from the eastern The access between the Pacific Highway and the Hill Freeway east of end of the Lane Cove River Bridge. tunnel is direct and easy the Pacific Highway for motorists. Pacific Highway ➤ provide access to the Pacific Highway via ➤ Entry and exit ramps a loop on-ramp from constructed at the Pacific Broughton Road and Highway are located mostly in a loop off-ramp tunnel to limit surface impact. behind the Northview ➤ apartments An exit tunnel under the north-west corner of the ➤ provide a new right Pacific Highway and hand turn from the Longueville Road. existing Longueville ➤ Road off-ramp onto Additional landscaping to the Pacific Highway improve the urban amenity at the juncture of the tunnel ➤ merge eastbound entrances at the Pacific traffic on Longueville Highway and the Gore Hill Road with the Pacific Freeway. Highway on-ramp ➤ New noise attenuation ➤ widen the Pacific structures to extend the Highway from current design theme adopted along the Gore Hill Howarth Road to Freeway. Longueville Road by an additional lane

➤ provide a right turn lane from the Pacific Highway to the tunnel on-ramp.

10 CONNECTIONS

Falcon Street Falcon Street Ramps ➤ New north facing ramps from Falcon Street to the Warringah Freeway. The new ramps will: ➤ Access to the freeway for Military Road traffic via ➤ minimise North ramps to reduce through traffic in residential areas. Sydney/Crows Nest/St Leonards ➤ Opportunity for a bus lane eastbound on Falcon Street congestion from the existing off ramp to Ben Boyd Road. ➤ enable southbound ➤ Cyclists travelling south on Warringah Freeway would traffic from the cross the off ramp and continue south at a dedicated Warringah ramp crossing or access Falcon Street via the new off Freeway to access ramp. Falcon Street and ➤ Cyclists from Falcon Street wishing to travel north on Military Road the Warringah Freeway would access the northbound shoulder on its western side by the existing stairs and Gore Hill Freeway ramp from Falcon Street. Key features of the Gore Hill Freeway Gore Hill Freeway upgrade are: ➤ Widened on the north side ➤ transit lanes which from the Pacific Highway to bypass merging Merrenburn Avenue at Crows Pacific Highway/ Nest by the addition of a transit Epping Road/ lane in each direction contained tunnel traffic within the existing road reserve, except at the cutting near ➤ widening on the Naremburn shopping area. north/eastern side of Gore Hill ➤ The southbound transit lane Freeway between tunnelled under Willoughby Reserve Road and Road to avoid impacts on Merrenburn Naremburn shops. Avenue ➤ Widening the freeway at ➤ widen viaduct by a Artarmon to enable tunnel traffic bridge with noise to merge more efficiently with walls existing traffic to and from the Pacific Highway and Longueville ➤ transit lanes Road. initially New Falcon Street designated as T2 ➤ ramps would reduce Widening the freeway combined with the Falcon Street lanes, changed to traffic in local streets. north-facing ramps to reduce the amount of “rat- T3 or Bus Lane as running” through the local streets of North Sydney and demand requires. Crows Nest local streets. ➤ Buses and high occupancy cars would benefit from travel time savings by using the transit lanes.

11 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Lane Cove National Park Tunnel Route Options

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Mowbray Park y a

F w e h rn Main Portals d g a i l e H P a r c k i f i Schem c e H1 a Mo P wbr E ay l Rd W i E est z ppin a g R b Magdala Park d st e e H t W a h rk Creek Rd m S yba R ray p t ng d b d tri ow e S S M n c Ck Reserve R h Batten e d e v Art m A arm e l on a H e i 3 d n y P n a S h e che t t e w me n H3A b h a e g z i C i l

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e Av d Portal ial R n le ten il en Rd v C ay e B u rns g u n B o Rd L Blackman Park Burns Bay

Tunnel Route Options Preferred Option 1 The envelope of the tunnel H3A-Epping Road route options lie between Epping Road (H3) and Mowbray Road West (H1). The preferred Option 2 route H3A is generally under H3-Epping Road Epping Road.

Legend

Option 3 Most Preferred H1-Mowbray Road West

Less Preferred ✘ Unacceptable Capital Property Construction Environmental Air Community Cost Effects Vibration Effect Quality Support

Mowbray Road West Intersection

Two arrangements for the Mowbray Road West and Mowbray Road West Intersection Epping Road Intersection Preferred Option 1 were considered: All Movements at Mowbray Road West ➤ Option 1: All movements at Mowbray Road West Legend Most would be allowed to Option 2 Preferred Epping Road at a Close Mowbray Rd West

signalised intersection. Less ✘ Preferred There would be no access ✘ ✘ Unacceptable from the M2 or tunnel to Capital Business Residential Maintaining Noise Community Cost Amenity Amenity Private & Public Reduction Support Mowbray Road West. Transport Access

➤ Option 2: Mowbray Road West would be closed in a cul-de-sac at Epping Road.

12 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Epping Road Treatment Epping Road Treatment

Preferred Option 1 Two options for Epping Narrow Epping Road Road were considered: Reinstate Right Hand Turns

Legend ➤ Narrow Epping Most Road and reinstate Option 2 Preferred Maintain Epping right hand turns Road Tidal Flow No Right Hand Turns Less ➤ Maintain Epping Preferred ✘ Unacceptable Road and no right Financial Improve Property Maintaining Noise Visual Viability Community Effects Private & Public Generation Amenity hand turns. Access Transport Access

Pacific Highway Interchange

The preferred location N for tunnel entrance/exit to the Pacific Highway Pacific Hwy ane sit L Tran is at Broughton Road (entry only) and Loop Road (exit only).

Preferred Loop Road Exit ne Burley Street entry/exit nsit La Burley St Entry/Exit Tra was not selected due to Main Portals Legend the high cost and

Portal Tunnel Route impact of property acquisition and high Portal Portal Preferred noise levels. Broughton Rd Entry Minor Roads considered as

Alto Pl Entry/Exit alternative entry/exit routes to tunnel

Pacific Hwy Surface roads

Pacific Highway Interchange

Preferred Option Tunnel Entry at Broughton Rd and Exit at Loop Road

Option 2 Tunnel Entry/Exit at Alto Place

Legend

Most Option 3 Preferred Tunnel Entry/Exit at Burley Street ✘ Less ✘ ✘✘ Preferred ✘ Unacceptable Capital Easing Property Maintaining Noise Visual Cost Pacific Highway Effects Private & Public Reduction Amenity Congestion Transport Access of Intersection

13 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Lane Cove National Park Vent Stack Position N

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Three possible options for tunnel ventilation are: Legend ➤ A single vent stack near the main western portal at E(w) or F(w) Options for Vent Stacks ➤ A single vent stack near the eastern portal at C(e), E(e) or F(e) ➤ Both a western and eastern stack but smaller versions.

Western Vent Stack Position

Preferred Option 1 E(w) South of Shell Service Station

Legend

Most Option 2 Preferred F(w) Sam Johnson Way

Least Preferred ✘ Unacceptable Air Accessibility Environment Aesthetics Present Use Sensitivity Costs Quality Habitat of Surroundings Eastern Vent Stack Position

Option 3 E(e) Marden St (West)

Option 4 F(e) Marden St (East)

Legend

Most Option 5 Preferred C(e) Pacific Hway (Gore Hill) Less Preferred ✘ Unacceptable Air Accessibility Environment Aesthetics Present Use Sensitivity Costs Quality Habitat of Surroundings

14 VENTILATION AND AIR QUALITY

The tunnels would be mechanically ventilated to maintain air quality in the tunnels and in the surrounding areas, consistent with other current road tunnel projects in NSW. The ventilation system would be designed to meet stringent air quality goals set by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) on advice from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Fresh air would enter the tunnel at portals or through fresh air inlets. Emitted air would be discharged through a vent stack. There are three options for tunnel ventilation: 1. A single stack near the main western portal south of Epping Road 2. A single stack at Marden St, Artarmon 3. Both (1) and (2) but smaller stacks. Based on initial air dispersion modelling current air quality goals would be easily achieved and additional air treatment systems would not be required to meet health goals. An examination of possible air treatment systems and emerging world’s best practice in tunnel ventilation will be undertaken during the preparation of the EIS. The currently preferred option, subject to a full environmental assessment, is a single stack near the western portal south of Epping Road. Diagram representing ventilation system. Further air dispersion modelling will be undertaken during the early stages of the EIS process to confirm that the ventilation system proposed would achieve the set goals. The preferred western Further community consultation vent stack would be will occur before a decision is located to the south of taken on the preferred option for the Shell Service Centre. The top of the stack the ventilation stack’s location. would be about 20 m above the Epping Road surface.

15 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES rison e Mor Conybear The new is a good Urban Design example of urban design improvements. The construction of the Lane Cove Tunnel would enable improvements in urban design in areas along the route. Ramps and tunnel portals would be designed to complement the built and natural environment. Intense planting would be used as visual New road connections and entryways to the tunnel would barriers and relief. be located in a landscaped setting using colours of local shales and sandstones where possible.

Reducing through traffic along Epping Road would better accommodate local traffic, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians by integrating Epping Road into the local surroundings at the Lane Cove shopping precinct, parks and Tantallon Oval.

Local Environment The Lane Cove Tunnel would be located along the densely populated residential and commercial areas of . The local environment is characterised by urban development along ridgelines and plateau areas. Bushland is present along deeper creek lines such as Stringybark Creek and foreshore areas of the Lane Cove River.

The EIS will provide a comprehensive assessment of all environmental issues.

Social Effects Stringbark Creek People living in the vicinity of the proposed Lane Cove Tunnel have a strong sense of community and identity. Many residents actively participate in community affairs and have contributed to the development of the Lane Cove Tunnel proposal to date.

Recreational and community facilities and services within the area are extensive and include Lane Cove shopping precinct, large areas of bushland and the Lane Cove River, neighbourhood centres and sporting facilities. Parks within the area include Tantallon Park, Batten Reserve, 16 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Goodlet Reserve and Helen Street Air Quality Reserve. ➤ The Lane Cove The Lane Cove Tunnel would provide the Tunnel would opportunity to reunite Lane Cove North reduce traffic and Lane Cove for residents living congestion and between Centennial Avenue and improve air Longueville Road. quality along Epping Road and Mowbray Road Natural Environment and West where Heritage traffic levels The area surrounding the Proposal is would decrease. largely an urban environment. Aquatic ➤ Public transport habitats within the corridor include improvements Stringybark Creek, a small lake south of Epping Road will improve air and north of Sam Johnson Way, and the Lane Cove River quality. on the western boundary of the corridor. ➤ For further Terrestrial habitats are also present including bushland information about areas along the Lane Cove River National Park, Batten air quality see Creek Reserve and Stringybark Creek. These natural Ventilation and areas are habitats for a number of species including those Air Quality protected by State and Commonwealth legislation. There (page 15). are many aboriginal sites, heritage items and conservation areas within the Lane Cove and Willoughby areas.

The EIS will assess the need for any measures to mitigate adverse impacts.

Noise The Lane Cove Tunnel would reduce traffic noise along the route with through traffic placed in tunnel.

A number of residential, commercial and industrial areas lie in close proximity to the proposed eastern and western portals of the tunnel and the access ramps on Falcon Street and the Pacific Highway. These areas may experience some noise impact during the construction and operational phases of the project.

The future environmental assessment phase would include an extensive noise and vibration monitoring program during the construction and operational phases. An environmental management plan would be prepared detailing noise and vibration monitoring measures to ensure goals are complied with during all phases of the project.

17 TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS

lhi Ro Right hand turns along Epping Road De ad Reinstate right hand turns and parking along

Delh Epping Road i Road

Lane Cove National Park

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Mowbray Park y a

F w e h rn Main Portals d g a i l e H P a r c k i f i c E

a l i Mow P H z b a ray R a d W b Ep est m ping e p R t Magdala Park d st d h e e S W n ark Creek y Rd t gyb bra R rin ow d St M Ck Reserve nd Batten e a v r A B l ia n y n a te w n h e ig C H Portal fic ci B Pa Epp ing G Rd ore Hill B Fwy ve A d ial R nn e Main Portals te Rd ll en y i C Ba v s e rn u Bu g y Rd n Blackman Park Burns Ba o L

P a c i f i c H i g h Transit Lanes w a along Epping Road y

Dedicated Cycle Lane Extending from Mowbray Road West to Dedicated Cycle Lane Moore Street. The lane from Centennial Avenue to Longueville Road would be dedicated to cyclists. Cycle Lane A lane from Moore Street to Centennial Avenue could be provided where car parking was not required.

Benefits

➤ Improved public transport.

➤ Improved travel times and access for local residents.

➤ Improved quality of life for residents due to improved amenity and reduction in local traffic noise and air pollution. New arrangements along Epping Road and ➤ Regional environmental improvements through the Gore Hill Freeway reduced noise and improved air quality. would improve bus access and provide safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

18 TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS

The Proposal

Key features include:

➤ transit lanes east and westbound on Epping Road from Pacific Highway to west of Lane Cove River Transit Lanes along ➤ transit lanes east widened Gore Hill Freeway and westbound on Cyclists use Transit Lane shoulder from the Gore Hill Pacific Highway to Warringah Freeway. S Freeway from Pacific t St d Highway to the Warringah Freeway

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Rail Services The Parramatta Rail Link will begin operation in 2006 and will provide vital extra capacity to the CityRail network, allowing more services to be introduced between Western Sydney and the CBD. Five new train stations will be built at Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Delhi Road in North Ryde, UTS Ku-ring-gai and a new Rosehill-Camellia station.

Buses State Transit and private bus operators provide more than 480 bus services every week along the Lane Cove-Gore This improvement to Hill corridor and in Ryde, Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill. public transport would encourage usage of The Lane Cove Tunnel would reduce travel times on buses and ease the existing bus routes as traffic congestion eases. It would future pressure on our allow new commuter bus services to be introduced on the roads. Lane Cove Tunnel or Epping Road and the upgraded Gore Hill Freeway Transit Lanes. The tunnel would also allow additional bus priority measures to be implemented.

Cyclists and Pedestrians Reduced through traffic on Epping Road would make it safer for pedestrians. The needs of pedestrians will be considered in detail during the design for each area.

Cyclists currently using the M2 access Epping Road via the Delhi Road on/off ramps. It is proposed that this arrange- ment be maintained. Cyclists using the Gore Hill Freeway would join Epping Road without crossing on/off ramps.

The transit lane crossing would be marked for cyclists at Pacific Highway on/off ramps.

On the Gore Hill Freeway cyclists would use the road shoulder next to the transit lane.

Access to the Lane Cove Tunnel by cyclists and pedestrians would be prohibited for safety reasons.

20 EPPING ROAD

The Lane Cove Tunnel would reduce through traffic on Epping Road and create opportunities for improved public transport links, transit lanes and enhanced local amenity. Epping Road would be designed to include a cycleway where car parking is not required, new bus stops and additional landscaping.

Further Opportunities ➤ Redesign Epping Road streetscape, allow on-street parking, landscaping and improved public transport. ➤ Improve access across Epping Road, especially at Longueville Road, Elizabeth Street and Johnston Crescent. ➤ Maintain and widen existing footpaths where possible. ➤ Introduce bike lanes or parking lanes along Epping Road. ➤ Improved bike access to bushland and creek areas behind Tantallon Oval and Stringybark Creek and a safer route for cyclists to Macquarie University. ➤ Reunite the local community currently divided by through traffic on Epping Road. ➤ Opportunities on Mowbray Road West for councils to introduce further local traffic calming measures.

21 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Stakeholder, local council and community consultation has been an important element in the development of the preferred option for the Lane Cove Tunnel.

In February 1997, the community was asked by the RTA to comment on schemes for improvements to Epping Road at Lane Cove. The response indicated considerable support for a longer tunnel. The Minister for Roads, Traffic around schools the Hon Carl Scully MP set-up the M2-Epping Road Task remains a major Force comprising the mayors of Lane Cove, Willoughby, concern of both the community and the RTA. North Sydney and Ryde Councils to further examine tunnel options.

Six tunnel schemes were placed on public display in early 1998. The schemes involved long and short tunnel options along the Mowbray Road West or Epping Road corridors. Community feedback was obtained through discussions with the task force, public meetings and a questionnaire.

Further opportunities for community involvement would continue throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment phase of the project.

The consultation process indicated support for:

➤ A long tunnel. ➤ Preference for a western vent stack. ➤ No restrictions to traffic movements between Mowbray Road West and Epping Road. ➤ Narrow Epping Road to four lanes (two through lanes in each direction). ➤ Reinstate right hand turns along Epping Road. ➤ Minimise any environmental impacts. The Lane Cove Tunnel Overview Report will provide the basis for the next stage in community discussion and the development of the EIS.

22 CONSULTATION PROCESS

INPUTS

STAGES Community and Stakeholder Consultation Public display, questionnaire Feasibility Study and public feedback Analysis of issues Justification of proposal Development of tunnel scheme Traffic studies Economic analysis

Councils Route Strategy Asked for comments Summary Report Preliminary environmental studies for key issues. Refinement of design

Preparation of Environmental Overview Public Display Report Questionnaire and public feedback Selection and development of preferred scheme. Outline of preferred scheme and key environmental issues Outline opportunities for further community and stakeholder consultation

The Current Stage We are here

The Next Step More Consultation This Environmental Overview Report outlines the preferred APPROVALS scheme for the Lane Cove-Gore Hill Corridor. The Roads and Traffic Authority will seek public, business and local government RTA Review of comment on the preferred scheme Submissions and Proposal before proceeding to the next Review of proposal in light of stage. Please complete and submissions received return the attached questionnaire by End February 2000 Community and Stakeholder Department of Urban Consultation Affairs and Planning Public meetings, letters and Assessment by Department of telephone hotline, public display, Preparation of Urban Affairs and Planning questionnaire and Public Feedback Environmental Impact of proposal Statement Preparation of EIS on Written Comments preferred scheme Project Approval Public meetings, letters and Consideration for Approval by telephone hotline, public display, Minister for Urban Affairs and questionnaire and public feedback EIS Exhibited 2000 Planning, subject to any conditions

23 HAVE YOUR SAY

Your comments on the proposed Lane Cove Tunnel would be greatly appreciated by the RTA. After you have read this Overview Report please fill out the short questionnaire below.

➤ Do you think the proposed Lane Cove Tunnel will benefit your local area? YES ❏ NO ❏ Please give your comments:

➤ Do you support the proposed scheme? YES ❏ NO ❏ Please give your comments:

➤ Do you think the proposal can be improved? YES ❏ NO ❏ If yes, please give your suggestions. ➤ Do you have any other comments?

Name:

Address

Telephone: (optional) FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINE

Please return your comments by end of February 2000.

Displays can be viewed from 23 December 1999 to 11 February 2000 at:

➤ Your local library or the following Council Chambers:

Lane Cove Municipal Council Willoughby City Council 48 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove 31 Victor St, Chatswood

Ryde City Council North Sydney Council 35-41 Blaxland Rd, Ryde 200 Miller St, North Sydney

➤ To return this Questionnaire fold in the places indicated and seal. Mail your completed questionnaire (no stamp needed) to the address below or contact us on:

Telephone: 9831 0064 Fax: 9831 0036 Internet: www.rta.gov.au

FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINE

Postage Paid

Lane Cove Tunnel

Reply Paid 67 Roads and Traffic Authority PO Box 558 Blacktown NSW 2148 This Document was produced by:

Hyder Consulting on behalf of the Roads and Traffic Authority