That Talked-about Tunnel plus a Special Celebration
An important subject to all residents on the Northern
Beaches - the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection was presented by representatives
of Transport for NSW; Madelin McIvor, Steven Andrew and Jack McGovern.
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| Steven Andrew, President Lindy Myers, Jack McGovern and Madelin McIvor |
They outlined the current situation (one which we only know too well): long and unreliable connections by only 3 corridors – Spit Bridge, Roseville Bridge or Warringah Road, and projected population increase will only exacerbate this.
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| The current situations for road users on the Northern Beaches |
What solution is proposed
The road project would be located within the North Sydney, Willoughby, Mosman and Northern Beaches local government areas, connecting Cammeray in the south with Killarney Heights, Frenchs Forest and Balgowlah in the north. The project would also connect to both the Gore Hill Freeway and Reserve Road in Artarmon in the west.
Commencing at the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, the mainline tunnels would pass under Naremburn and Northbridge, then cross Middle Harbour between Northbridge and Seaforth. The mainline tunnels would then split under Seaforth into two ramp tunnels and continue north to the Wakehurst Parkway at Killarney Heights and north-east to Balgowlah, linking directly to the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation to the south of the existing Kitchener Street bridge.
The mainline tunnels would also have on ramps and off ramps from under Northbridge connecting to the Gore Hill Freeway and Reserve Road east of the existing Lane Cove Tunnel. Surface works would also be carried out at the Gore Hill Freeway in Artarmon, Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah and along the Wakehurst Parkway between Seaforth and Frenchs Forest to connect the project to the existing arterial and local road networks.
Faster and safer journeys:
The presentation video claimed the project would yield the following savings:
- · up to 38 minutes Balgowlah to CBD
- · up to 56 minutes Dee Why to Sydney Airport
- · up to 54 minutes Frenchs Forest to Roseville
- · Up to 32 minutes Manly to Macquarie Park
- · Spit Road 33% less traffic
- · Mona Vale 8% less traffic
- · Eastern Valley Way 40% less traffic
- · Warringah Road 23% less traffic
The final project offers direct connection from the Northern Beaches to Warringah Freeway & North Sydney (with Metro connections for buses); the Inner West via the Western Harbour tunnel & Macquarie Park via the Gore Hill Freeway
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assessed the potential environmental and social impact of the project. In general, assessments looked at key items:
- the existing environment
- how the project may change this
- what is predicted in the future without the project
- what is predicted in the future with the project
- how we propose to manage or mitigate any potential impacts
- EIS was on public consultation from December 9 2020 – March 1 2021
- 1,549
submissions made to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
It was prepared with wide consultation using different
methods and points of contact in the community. and is available at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/10456
TIMELINE:
The team reported that they estimate that it usually takes
up to a year for the EIS to be evaluated and gain approval to the next stage. Major
construction sites are planned for Balgowlah Golf Course and Kitchener Street
along the side of Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation. A finish date of end 2028 is estimated.
Construction support sites:
It was explained that multiple sites are employed to perform work such at tunnelling along the course of the route. Often tunnelling work is made in sections which join up, rather than one continuous operation. Also, the tunnel construction underwater is similar to that used for the Sydney Harbour tunnel - immersed twin tube tunnel installation - where precast sections are lowered onto the seabed and minimise disturbance to underwater environment.
The Balgowlah Golf Course site and Kitchener street site were discussed in detail and the timelines were presented. Impact management issues with respect to noise & vibration was outlined with the following measures:
• Carrying out works during the daytime period where possible.
• Selecting appropriate plant and equipment and operating them efficiently.
• Use of portable noise barriers.
• Protocols to manage works required outside standard construction hours.
• Establishment of an approval process for proposed out of hours works.
• Monitoring of noise levels.
• Respite periods for piling activities.
Similarly, road impacts are being managed as follows
- Locating
most of our temporary sites with direct access to main roads
- Continuing
to consult with Greater Sydney Operations, the Port Authority of NSW, local
councils, emergency services and bus operators to minimise traffic and
transport impacts
- Notifying
in advance of any proposed transport network changes or maritime restrictions
- Managing
shift changes to minimise workforce traffic movements during peak traffic
periods in and around our temporary sites, where possible
- Managing
vehicle access to and from temporary sites to maintain pedestrian, cyclist and
motorist safety
- Providing
signage, barriers and/or line marking as required to safely guide road users,
cyclists and pedestrians past our temporary sites and around the local road
network
- Minimising
potential truck queueing near our temporary sites, where possible
- Carrying out partial road closures outside of peak periods or at night to minimise the impact for road users, and for the safety of our workers and the public, where possible.
• Working closely with Councils and local residents if we need to impact parking spaces or property access.
What happens next?
- A Response to Submissions (RtS) report and a Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR) to respond to the issues raised in EIS submissions and subsequently by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) is being prepared.
- The RtS report and PIR will be submitted to DPIE and be available to view on their website. These reports and the EIS help inform the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces’ decision on the proje
- If the project is approved it will be built and operated in accordance with the plans described in the EIS, RtS and PIR and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces’ Conditions of Approval.
This means the plans proposed in the EIS may evolve further, from community-based feedback and construction details that emerge when a contractor is appointed.
The lively Q & A session that followed found that Seaforth residents are concerned that little if any benefit is foreseen in their gaining access to the Beaches tunnel. Moreover, the predicted daily procession of trucks carrying the rubble from the works via the Spit Bridge and Military Road, Mosman to eventually arrive at Badgerys Creek airport construction site for a number of years will not win many friends. Apparently the use of barges for this operation and bypassing the existing bottle neck at Spit Bridge/Military Rd was found to not be viable.
One major concern is that proposed ventilation (exhaust stacks) along the twin tunnels (5.6Km long) each with 3 lanes of traffic is occurring only at the entrances and exits, unlike other in places like the tunnel under Sydney airport runway at Mascot. It is claimed that exhaust pollution is not predicted to build up sufficiently to have fresh air being introduced en route due to the speeds that traffic will be travelling; however air quality monitoring will occur.
At this stage of the project, no indication of cost can be given.
The audience of over 40 people thanked the presenters for their very comprehensive and informative presentation.
NOTE: Find out more at nswroads.work/blportal
The plan is to have an initial joint meeting in August to kick start the campaign and invite an O&G surgeon from Port Macquarie who has visited Nepal on numerous occasions to make a presentation. Any monies would go towards a funding the building a hospital in Nepal as a center of excellence in the treatment & ultimately prevention of this significant public health problem. The Nepalese government would not be involved and governance is reliable.
A SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR A TRUE ROTARIAN:
Alois Lechner had a 90th birthday and the club surprised him with a cake at our meeting.
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| Alois (centre)and Nigi (right) - cutting the yummy cake! |
Alois attends almost all club meetings in person and contributes his expertise and experience to matters being discussed. He regularly attends all fund raising activities and his energy and drive is the great envy of many younger members. He has been a member of Balgowlah Rotary for many years and was awarded a Paul Harris fellow for his many achievements and strong and continued support of Rotary causes. Alois transferred to Balgowlah from Manly Rotary where he was president and made the club a strong force in the community.
It was wonderful that we could join Alois and Nigi in a special celebration at a club meeting and give our best wishes in person - congratulations from all of us at the club.
Many Happy Returns !!
Update on club other matters:
Condobolin trip is on hold; Police Awards by the club is awaiting further information.
Next Meeting: Tuesday 1 June
Speaker - Graeme Cocks - Stroke Foundation - Volunteer Stroke Safe
Introduction and brief overview of the Stroke Foundation’s activities
What is a stroke
The impact of stroke, personally and nationally
How to recognise signs of a stroke
Things that can be done to prevent a stroke.
7pm Zoom & up to 30 people at Wine room, Balgowlah RSL
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