Beaches Link tunnel: The streets that could have corridor underneath them

A list of northern beaches roads that could have the $8 billion Beaches Link tunnel running underneath them has been revealed in a new report.

The land under a number of properties on the northern beaches will be compulsorily acquired by the NSW Government to allow for the new $8 billion Beaches Link tunnel to be built underneath.

But owners will not be compensated.

The Link — which includes twin tunnels, stretching from Seaforth and Balgowlah, under Middle Harbour to the Warringah and Gore Hill freeways at Cammeray and Artarmon — will cut congestion on the Spit Bridge, Military Rd and Roseville Bridge and allow motorists to bypass 19 sets of traffic lights through The Spit, Mosman and Neutral Bay.

Part of the Beaches Link project.

The latest report has listed a number of roads in Seaforth which could be impacted by the tunnel underneath including Seaforth Crescent, Princes Promenade, Ponsonby Pde, Ethel St, Sydney Rd, Frenchs Forest Rd, Fromelles Ave, Lister Ave, Wakehurst Pkwy, Judith St and Kirkwood St.

On the peninsula, at its deepest the tunnel will be 87 metres below some properties rising to around 43 metres. At Burnt Creek Deviation it will be at around 22 metres below the surface, before emerging.

While the report says there will be minimal impact on homeowners, similar acquisitions for the WestConnex has resulted in claims due to subsequent damage to the property, including cracks in walls, according to specialist lawyer Flo Mitchell, from FM Legal.

Flo Mitchell, lawyer.

Homeowners have also complained about noise vibrations from the 24/7 tunnelling.

“The tunnel has already had negative effects on Balgowlah properties and surroundings for some time,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Prices have been down.

“It would be fair to say if you are buying a house and it had a tunnel underneath, you may pay more for one that is similar that does not.”

Those who are subject to an subsurface acquisition are not eligible to receive compensation as they generally suffer no impact.

Map of Balgowlah connection and access road, Beaches Link Tunnel. Picture: NSW Government.

They can still go on to build basements and swimming pools.

However, Ms Mitchell recommended that anyone who is contacted by Transport for NSW and told the land underneath their home was being acquired should get an independent building surveyor to do a report on their property.

Ms Mitchell said while rare, properties can suffer damage and proving cracks are caused by tunnelling works can be difficult without an independent report.

The Environmental Impact Statement released this week states that there will be tunnelling up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week and that work under each property will last about a week.

Artist impression of upgrade work and pedestrian path on Wakehurst Parkway, Beaches Link Tunnel. Picture: NSW Government.

During that time it said some residents will be able to feel the vibrations.

Separately, around 41 properties will require permanent acquisition as part of the project, most of them in Dudley St, Balgowlah.

Ms Mitchell who is representing some of those residents said it had been stressful for some who have had to fight for fair settlements.

But she believes around half of the homeowners have now come to an agreement.

Homeowners will not be contacted until the work is about to be undertaken.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said it will be contacting homeowners once the detailed design of the tunnel alignment is finalised.

“The final alignment of Beaches Link, including the number of homes located above the tunnel route, is subject to planning approval and detailed design which isn’t expected to be finalised until after construction contracts are awarded in 2022,” the spokesman said.

More information about the proposed route in the Environmental Impact Statement, which is now on display until March 1, via the interactive portal at nswroads.work/blportal

Virtual information sessions will be hosted in January with more planned for February.

Residents can find out more and register via the portal.