$165m set aside for Beaches Link Tunnel, Western Harbour Tunnel

As part of today’s NSW Budget, funds have been allocated for the Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel projects, which will ‘transform the way drivers travel’ on the North Shore and northern beaches.

Funding has been allocated to help with the traffic network on the northern beaches. Picture: (AAP Image / Julian Andrews)

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It has been announced in today’s NSW Budget that $3.3 billion will be spent over the next four years for planning and delivering Sydney’s new motorway networks, including the Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel.

The two projects will impact commuters on the northern beaches and North Shore, cutting up to 40 sets of traffic lights between Balgowlah and the city.

Budget papers have revealed $165 million has been set aside this year to continue pre-construction and planning for the Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel, which Roads Minister Andrew Constance said would “transform the way drivers travel around Sydney”.

Roads Minister Andrew Constance. Picture: (AAP Image/Bianca De March).

The State Government has already spent $549 million on planning the city-shaping projects, but Budget documents do not state a final cost.

Mr Constance said the commitment was part of an unprecedented $55.6 billion spend on Sydney’s road network over the next four years.

He said the Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel, alongside other multibillion-dollar projects including WestConnex, the new M5 and Sydney Gateway, would reinvent the city’s transport options.

“Once complete, these projects will transform the way drivers travel around Sydney, bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights to provide faster, safer and more reliable trips,” he said.

“Construction of the Rozelle Interchange and Iron Cove Link will start later this year and planning and pre-construction work is continuing for the Western Harbour Tunnel, Beaches Link and the first stage of the F6 Extension.”