Turnbull, Berejiklian hail progress of NorthConnex tunnelling
NORTHCONNEX tunnellers celebrated a major breakthrough alongside Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Gladys Berejiklian today — when roadheader “Michelle” bored through to the southern part of the tunnel.
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NORTHCONNEX tunnellers celebrated a major breakthrough alongside Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Gladys Berejiklian today — when roadheader “Michelle” bored through to the southern compound.
Hundreds of workers lined the tunnel to witness the breakthrough with local federal and state MPs Julian Leeser, Paul Fletcher, Alister Henskens and Damien Tudehope.
A roadheader breaks through the remaining rock to the southern compound of the NorthConnex tunnel. pic.twitter.com/hIKUyv2X5H
— Jake McCallum (@JakeMcCallum_) December 13, 2017
Mr Turnbull told the Hornsby Advocate he was very proud of the project, which was set to remove more than 5000 trucks from Pennant Hills Rd every day and allow commuters to drive from Melbourne to Newcastle without a traffic light.
“The Federal Government has put in $412 million and matched the State Government, enabling this extraordinary piece of infrastructure to be built,” Mr Turnbull said. “(NorthConnex) has created nearly 9000 jobs in construction.”
Ms Berejiklian promised residents the project was still on track for completion in the second half of 2019.
“Work is progressing really well,” she said. “I think at least half of the tunnelling is complete and the breakthrough today shows just how far we have come.
“I am really excited because not only will it free up Pennant Hills Rd and the Pacific Highway but our Central Coast commuters will also have travel savings.”
Mr Leeser, the Berowra federal Liberal MP, said the project was a “game changer” for commuters.
“For Berowra, this breakthrough means locals are now just two years away from reclaiming Pennant Hills Rd,” Mr Leeser said.
Prime Minister @TurnbullMalcolm speaks with Berowra Federal Liberal MP @JulianLeeser about the NorthConnex project. pic.twitter.com/5a6YVb2fFT
— Jake McCallum (@JakeMcCallum_) December 13, 2017
“NorthConnex will save 15 minutes of travel time and avoid 21 sets of traffic lights compared with using Pennant Hills Road, helping our community to spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.”
More than 16km of tunnelling has been completed as part of the project.