WestConnex: homeowner at Concord interchange upset at screening

There are claims WestConnex workers broke their promise to properly screen homeowners from traffic that will travel the newly-built bridge at the Concord interchange.

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There are claims WestConnex workers broke their promise to properly screen homeowners from traffic that will travel the newly-built bridge at the Concord interchange.

Workers completed the 200m bridge at Concord Rd earlier this month. It will allow westbound motorists to bypass the Concord and Parramatta roads intersection and join the M4.

The bridge and interchange at Concord. Picture: WestConnex

The interchange and new M4 tunnels to Haberfield are due to open next year.

Workers have installed a screening wall and shrubs near the bridge for the benefit of residents.

However one of those residents, Lyndel Dunn of Thornleigh Ave, said this was not what had been promised.

She said WestConnex officials told residents multiple times last year screening and sound walls, along with tall bushes, would be provided.

This was likened to screening along the M4, Ms Dunn said.

“Residents will be looking at a wall of lights, not to mention the noise,” she said.

“We’ve been really shafted here. They’ve done the cheapest, nastiest job.”

Lyndel Dunn outside the WestConnex interchange at Concord. She says the shrubs and wall were not what was promised. Picture: John Appleyard

A spokesman for Roads and Maritime Services said people living within the vicinity of the noise wall were consulted and indicated a preference for a clear perspex noise wall to minimise noise while allowing in natural light.

He said more landscaping would take place on the eastern side of the interchange, including at the end of Sydney St, and would be completed soon.

Ms Dunn has lived at her house since 2005 and said the road project had changed the neighbourhood.

“Ironically I bought the place because it was a quiet street,” she said.

While those who lived opposite had their homes acquired for the project, Ms Dunn did not receive an offer.

She is one of many residents who claim their home life has been devastated by the project.

Among these are those on the other side of the Concord bridge who claim tunnelling below their homes caused cracks in their walls.

They have asked for compensation from WestConnex.

However the contractors undertaking the works, who also oversee claims, have argued they operated within safe limits and are not responsible.