Rozelle WestConnex interchange design revealed: Tunnels to go deep beneath parklands

A MAJOR interchange for the $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway will be located beneath up to 10ha of new parkland in Sydney’s inner west.

New parklands will cover the Rozelle railyards as part of the WestConnex plans.

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A MAJOR interchange for the $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway will be located beneath up to 10ha of new parkland in Sydney’s inner west.

Premier Mike Baird today revealed the design for the Rozelle WestConnex interchange, with the vast bulk of it built beneath the current eyesore of the disused Rozelle rail yard and a big new park built on top the design allays fears of an ugly, “spaghetti-style” network of open roads.

The interchange, including a 1.1km tunnel running north to Iron Cove Bridge, will result in the compulsory acquisition of 27 homes and businesses on Victoria Rd, near Iron Cove Bridge.

The NSW government outlined the plans this week.

Mr Baird admitted his government had not handled previous compulsory purchase orders well: “There has been a lot of uncertainty around acquisition of homes and … there are 27 properties that will be acquired as part of this process and that’s never easy,” Mr Baird said.

“That is a very difficult thing. Obviously there are significant benefits to come for the broader community. For those who use Victoria Rd — huge benefits will come in morning peaks.

“For those who use these parklands — huge benefits.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Roads Minister Duncan Gay. Picture: Mark Evans

Roads Minister Duncan Gay insisted the improved underground design and tunnel to Iron Cove Bridge had not increased the cost of the project.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, a staunch critic of the entire WestConnex project, said the community would not be “fooled” by updated, improved interchange design.

“With tens of thousands more cars and multiple ventilation stacks, the community will be reluctant to use any new parks alongside this road,” she said.

Former Leichhardt mayor Darcy Byrne demanded Mr Baird go and meet the families being booted out of their homes: “This is the most shambolic infrastructure project in the history of NSW.”