Design plans revealed for Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link

The NSW Government has released a detailed design for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link — including how much time commuters will save on travel — after a leak earlier this week revealed plans to wipe out a golf course as part of the major project.

Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey Premier Gladys Berejiklian make the tunnel announcement. Picture: Dylan Robinson

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The NSW Government has released a detailed design for a northern beaches tunnel — which includes how much time commuters will save on travel — after a leak earlier this week revealed plans to wipe out a golf course as part of the major project.

On Thursday the Government revealed that the Beaches Link tunnel would reduce travel time from Brookvale to the CBD by 27 minutes and slash a trip from Dee Why to Sydney Airport by 41 minutes.

An artist’s impression from the plan showing how Balgowlah Golf Course could be affected by new open space and a link road joining Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation to Sydney Rd Picture: NSW

The Government also announced it planned to begin major construction on the tunnel in 2020.

It said the tunnel was expected to be open to traffic by 2026.

Plans for the West Harbour Tunnel — which will create a western bypass of the CBD and take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor were also released on Thursday.

“We know the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link are important projects that will benefit the wider road network,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

The Beaches tunnel is intended to help ease traffic congestion on the northern beaches. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

“We will continue to listen to the community and we want to stress that even these improved plans are subject to further community consultation and are subject to further change.”

Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government had committed $550 million to the projects in the recent Budget.

She said the final cost will be determined when final design and financing options from the private sector have been finalised.

“We want to be upfront with the community now and say the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link will be tolled, but as always there will be a free alternative,” Mrs Pavey said.

The detailed design for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link will now be open for community comment until November, with feedback to be taken on board to refine the design, ahead of the planning assessment phase.

The detailed plans are available at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/whtbl