One Step Closer to Unlocking the North

Travelling between the Northern Beaches and the city faster and more reliably is one step closer with the finalisation of the proposed reference design for Beaches Link.

The Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link program is an important part of the NSW Government’s vision to create an integrated road and public transport network.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the updated proposed reference design for Beaches Link marks an important step towards delivering a state of the art transport network for Sydney.

“This project will connect Sydney’s north unlike ever before, people will be able to spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things they care about thanks to this game-changing piece of infrastructure,” Mr Griffin said.

“Along with the significant time savings we predict for people travelling between the Northern Beaches and the CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood and Macquarie Park, the project will unlock new opportunities for improved public transport, including new and improved express bus services as well as direct bus access to North Sydney to connect with the new Sydney Metro.”

The updated reference design for Beaches Link demonstrates a commitment to evolving the project through community feedback.

“We recognise that the local community are eager to learn what the updated proposed reference design for Beaches Link means for them.

“In Balgowlah, we will be returning almost 90 per cent of the open space we will use through construction as sporting and recreational facilities for you and your family to enjoy.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Australian Government is proud to be investing $50 million into this multi-billion dollar infrastructure project, ensuring that the Balgowlah community has a great new open and green space.

“The new facilities will be ready for the community to use around two years after we start construction, which is around three years earlier than we originally planned, another fantastic win for the community,” Mr Tudge said.

“We can also reassure the local community that we are avoiding any impact to the Scout Hall and Balgowlah Oval and will be leaving as many trees as possible near the Balgowlah construction site, particularly those that provide a screen between homes and the site.”

 “We appreciate everyone who has contributed feedback so far and encourage you to continue having your say during the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway EIS exhibition period shortly,” Mr Griffin said.

The EIS for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade will be on public exhibition by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in the coming weeks.

Importantly the consultation period has been extended to take into account the peak holiday season, allowing more than enough time for everyone to have their say. The EIS for the Beaches Link is expected to be available for public exhibition from mid-2020.

ABOUT THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL & BEACHES LINK PROGRAM:

 Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link is a major transport infrastructure program that will make it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.

The program includes:

• Western Harbour Tunnel - The Western Harbour Tunnel includes a new western bypass of the Sydney CBD, which will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge. The 6.5 kilometre twin tunnels will link Rozelle to the Warringah Freeway with three lanes in each direction.
• The Warringah Freeway upgrade - An upgrade to four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway, which is one of Australia's busiest roads, to make space to connect the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link tunnels. The upgrade will streamline the way the road operates, reduce merging, provide a continuous dedicated bus lane, and provide connections to the new tunnels.
• Beaches Link - A new motorway tunnel connection from Seaforth and Balgowlah, under Middle Harbour, to the Warringah Freeway near Cammeray and the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon. The tunnel will be over seven kilometres long, and will be three lanes in each direction. Beaches Link is an integrated transport solution that will improve car and bus journey times to and from the Northern Beaches. It will also provide new connections to St Leonards and Macquarie Park linking people with jobs, education and services.